Fishing at Night

Fishing at night is much more comfortable than throughout the daytime, even more productive, some fishermen say. Not only is the weather more pleasing, but there are less people crowding the lakes after dusk. The peacefulness increases with the sounds of frogs, crickets and critters scavenging through the dark woods. Even the sound of the water rippling up on the banks will relieve some of the daily stresses and let you relax while catching some of the biggest bass that will be feeding at night.

Instructions

1 Check the weather forecast. Make sure that the temperature is cool, but not cold and also check for the possibility of rainfall. Take along a rain poncho, if you think there is a chance of rain. Fishing at night between the end of March and September will be the best months to catch fish and also the most comfortable weather for you to fish at night.
2 Take the least amount of tackle with you to free your hands when you fish at night. You can buy a small tackle box or reuse empty containers such as candy tins or snuff cans. These small containers will fit in your pocket and you will be able to fit hooks, sinkers, beads and a couple of worm rattles in them.
3 Use a blacklight for catching fish at night. Blacklights should light up your line for approximately fifty feet away from where you are casting and you can watch the line for even a subtle strike. It really doesnt penetrate the water except maybe a couple of inches below the surface, so the fish wont get spooked by the light.
4 Fish with a dark colored bait to create a good contrast with the night sky. Colors of bait should be considered because the bass will be looking upward for food and the bait that stands out against the sky will work well. Live minnows shine in the water, so they would also be a good bait to use when you fish at night.
5 Be especially attentive at night when fishing. Night fishing can be dangerous for many reasons, there are other anglers out besides you, for one thing. You should be careful to light your path while walking to your destination so that you dont accidentally stumble into one of them or scare their potential catch away. There is also a danger of actually falling into the water along the points and banks.
6 Keep as quiet as possible when you fish at night. Anytime that you are fishing it is important not to bang things around or drop anything into the water.

Read More

Making an Underwater Light for Your Fish Tank

For your fish to remain healthy, it is important that they live in a properly ventilated and well-lit environment, simulating where they would live in the sea. Although you can purchase an underwater light for your fish tank, they tend to be rather costly. However, with a bit of creativity you can make your own for a fraction of the cost.

Instructions

1 Measure the width, height and depth of your fish tank using a tape measure.
2 Visit a hardware store in your area and purchase an LED flashlight that is capable of lighting the whole area of your fish tank. As of 2011, cost for these start at around $9.99. Buy a waterproof transparent container as well. The transparent container should be big enough to enclose the LED flashlight. This will cost you around $7.95, or more, depending on the size of the container. The container should be big enough to fit the LED light.
3 Take the closed, waterproof, transparent container and submerge it in the water. Leave it for a couple of minutes, then check to make sure that no water enters it.
4 Put the LED flashlight in the container and turn it on. It should emit bright light that is capable of lighting the whole area of your fish tank. Close the container tightly so that water will not get inside.
5 Get a cord or a fishing line and attach it to the waterproof, transparent container. You can tie the fishing line or the cord on the clip or handle that is included with the container. This will allow you to remove it from the water easily.
6 Submerge the light in the fish tank.

Read More

About Butterfly Fish

If you plan to pan-fry, dry or grill a small-to-medium fish, you can use the butterfly method of preparing it for cooking. Easier than filleting, butterflying a fish will allow it to cook evenly and thoroughly throughout. You can leave the head on or remove it, if you prefer.

Instructions

1 Ask the fishmonger or seafood department employee to clean the fish for you.
2 Insert a sharp knife into the belly of the fish at the base of the tail, with the sharp part of the knife facing the head of the fish.
3 Press down on the knife until you can feel the spine of the fish.
4 Push the knife from the tail to the head, keeping the point of the knife right above the spine of the fish.
5 Withdraw the knife, and place it once again at the tail of the fish, this time on the opposite side of the spine.
6 Draw the knife from the tail to the head, keeping the point just above and to the side of the fish's spine.
7 Open the fish like the pages of a book, and press each side open until the fish resembles a butterfly with open wings.

Read More

Tips on Tie Salt Water Fishing Rigs

There are as many ways to catch fish as there are to eat them. Every fisherman's approach to tying saltwater rigs may be a little different and personalized, but some saltwater fishing rigs have endured. One of the most common and popular is the bottom-feeder rig. This allows you to fish for the abundant fish that feed on and near the sea floor. All of the supplies and tools you will need to tie this rig are available at most online and local fishing and tackle shops.

Instructions

1 Let out around 5 feet of line from the end of your fishing rod.
2 Tie a hook about 2 to 3 feet from the end of the line using a jig loop knot.
3 Attach a bank weight to the very end of the line using an improved clinch knot. The bank weight should weigh between 1/2 ounce and 3 ounces for bay and inshore saltwater fishing. Offshore saltwater fishing will require weights ranging from 4 to 16 ounces.
4 Cut the remaining line from the end of the bank weight using scissors or a knife.
5 Pull on the weight to test it and ensure it is tied correctly and secured well to the fishing line.
6 Bait your hook and cast your line.

Read More

How to Troll for Fish

Trolling for fish is the perfect way to enjoy the great outdoors and fishing if you are a sportsman that just can not sit still. While many people love the relaxed and lazy feel of sitting in the boat or on the riverbank and waiting for a bite, other fisherman just have to go to the fish. If you are the latter type, then trolling may be the perfect kind of fishing for you. It enables you to actually track down the fish almost as if you were hunting them, and also gives you a chance to enjoy the feel of the wind in your face and your boat cutting through the water. Trolling can be done in rivers or lakes, but it is generally better to troll in a lake where you do not have to deal with the current.

Instructions

How to Troll for Fish

1 Attach the bobber to the fishing line. The bobber should allow enough line to trail underneath the water that the bait will float at least 5 or 10 feet below the surface. You can set the line for much deeper if you are in a deep lake, but you will have to make this decision based on your personal location.
2 Cast the line behind you. Allow the motor to idle while you cast. Do not cast until you are in deep water. The bobber should trail 15 to 20 feet behind the boat. If you like, you can allow it to spin out even further. Just make sure that you can still see it in the water so you will know if a fish bites.
3 Shift the motor into a low gear. Some motors actually have a gear marked "trolling." This is generally the lowest gear possible. You will move forward at a slow, steady rate. Gunning the motor will yank the lure away from an interested fish and kill live bait, so move slowly and methodically.
4 Run the boat in straight or gently curving lines around the area that you wish to fish.Keep an eye on your bobber, and also on the top of your pole, which will "jump" if a fish strikes your bait. Trolling alone takes some practice since you have to watch where you are going and also keep an eye on your poles, so until you are comfortable you may want to take some company.
5 Focus on areas where fish should be plentiful. If you have a fish finder, it will beep and in some cases even show you what depth fish are swimming. You can circle these areas and make multiple passes over high concentrations of fish. If you do not have a fish finder but are familiar with the body of water, you may want to stay in areas where you have had good luck in the past.

Read More

Shipping Frozen Fish

If you catch king crabs in Alaska, swordfish in Baja, California or wild lobsters in Maine, you might be interested in sending the fish to family and friends or even selling it to distributors and restaurants. If so, you will need to ship the fish properly to ensure it will arrive safely to its destination.

Instructions

1 Vacuum-seal your fish to help prevent freezer burn.
2 Deep-freeze the vacuumed-sealed fish. The deep-freeze should result in a temperature under -22 degrees, though as long as it is under -5 degrees, the fish is safe for travel.
3 Use gel packs or dry ice as cooling materials for shipping your fish. While dry ice stays very cold, the carbon dioxide that is emitted through its melting is harmful for the environment. In addition, it is heavier and more expensive than gel ice.
4 Purchase a box for your fish shipment. Ensure that the container offers enough room for your fish and ice but is not much larger than necessary, as this requires additional ice. Plastic foam is the preferable because it is lightweight, well-insulated and sturdy.
5 Select a shipping method for your fish. You can choose truck, air, rail or ship, depending on where you are shipping to and from. Air travel is the fastest but also the most expensive method, and most air carriers don't offer refrigerated travel. Trucks, railroad companies and ships offer frozen and refrigerated container areas.
6 Wrap the fish in the ice and pack it into the box. Generally you need around one pound of ice for about 25 pounds of fish, but you need to ensure that bulky items, such as crab legs, get extra ice to protect them from the air spots in the packaging.
7 Seal the box securely using both straps and tape.
8 Label the box with the recipient's address and name. In addition, label the box on all sides with lettering and stickers warning to "keep frozen." If shipping via truck, ship or railway, inspect the refrigeration car before loading your materials.
9 Notify the recipient of the time and place to pick up the frozen fish package. If the fish is slightly thawed but still frozen under 40 degrees, it can be refrozen immediately to avoid losing quality.

Read More

Tips on How to Pick a Fishing Spot

Fishing can be a relaxing activity for anyone or a demanding sport for the experienced angler. Regardless of your fishing ability or your experience, a productive day of fishing depends on picking the right spot.

Instructions

1 Determine the type of fish you want to catch. If you're spending the day fishing alone, try fishing for something you've never caught. But if you're taking your child, a novice angler or you have limited time, fish for sunfish or bass.
2 Decide whether you want to use a boat or fish from shore. If you're taking a child with you who is leery of the water or if you're going with a large group, fishing from shore is best. However, if you want to try some new spots and pick up and move many times, take out a boat.
3 Read books or magazines articles about your hometown fishing spots or ask around the local bait shops for advice on where to find certain types of fish. You can find fish by trial and error, but asking around for advice on where the fish are biting saves a lot of time and gas.
4 Look for the places on the lake that your preferred type of fish is most often found. Bass and sunfish generally dwell in shallow coves along the shore or by rocks where there's plenty of shade. So cast along the shore for them if you're fishing from your boat. Cast about 10 feet away from shore if you're fishing from land. Look for walleye and musky in places where there's moving water. Rivers are a fun place to find them, but fishing a river can be challenging for the new boater.
5 Prepare for much trial and error fishing when you go to a new lake or river. No matter what kind of fish you're after, a little bit of perseverance and the ability to learn as you go along is the best way to learn how to pick the best fishing spot.

Read More

How to Rig a Bait Fish to Float

Fishing with devices that keep the bait near the water's surface is an effective way to target different species of game fish. Corks, bobbers, balloons and kites will keep bait near the top of the water column, ready for a strike from a large fish. Kite fishing involves more work than the other methods and is also more expensive but will allow the angler to position the bait exactly where desired. The popping cork is probably the most commonly used float for saltwater fishing and makes an effective set-up. Balloons are great because they are cheap, easy to store and are easy to spot, even in choppy seas. Target fish that cruise the surface of the water with any or all of the methods described below.

Instructions

1 Deploy kite from the fishing craft. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for rigging the kite and fishing tackle. Release the line to both the kite and the fishing line to position the bait fish on the surface of the water. If desired, the bait can be made to splash right atop the surface of the water.
2 Rig the fishing line with an appropriate hook and leader size for the size and species of fish that is being pursued. Attach the leader and hook to the main fishing line with a barrel swivel or with a surgeon's knot or uni-knot. Position the popping cork on the main fishing line and insert the peg to hold the cork at the desired spot. Depth can be easily changed by readjusting the cork's position. Once the bait is cast, pop the cork in the water, which will make a splashing sound and attract fish that are in the area.
3 Inflate balloon to 5 or 6 inches in diameter. Rig the fishing line with a leader and hook that is the correct size for the type of fishing being done. Attach the balloon at the barrel swivel by tying a knot in the tag end of the balloon or use a piece of lighter line to tie the balloon to the fishing line. The balloon will burst or pull off when a fish hits the bait.

Read More

Finding the Price of Antique Fishing Lures

Antique fishing lures collecting is very much like coin, card and stamp collecting; there is an entire market of individuals who specialize in buying, selling and valuation of such pieces. There are even smaller niches within it; some people collect old fishing-lures catalogs and distributors' sales materials. There are various ways to find the actual market price of antique fishing lures and these can be performed by any individual with the right understanding of the marketplace.

Instructions

1 Stop by your local flea market. There are numerous vendors who specialize in selling lures and this would allow you to speak directly with the sellers--and sometimes buyers--to learn about prices.
2 Search through the auction sites on the Internet to see what prices the specific lures that you are interested in are selling for.
3 Purchase an antique fishing lures valuation guide from a bookstore to find the appraised price of the lures.
4 Join the National Fishing Lure Collector's Club (NFLCC), which is an active organization full of hobbyists who can help you understand the pricing of the pieces.

Read More

How to Fish for Salmon in Lake Michigan

Whether you cast off from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the upper peninsula of Michigan, the sandy shores of the Indiana Dunes, the bustling harbor of Chicago or any other place along the shores of the Great Lake Michigan, you can find one of the most popular sport fish: salmon. As common as salmon is in Lake Michigan, finding it is tricky at times. Temperature and bait are two very important aspects to understand. You can't enjoy the game if you can't find the fish.

Instructions

1 Get a fishing license. Every state bordering Lake Michigan sells fishing licenses. Pay attention to the area of water you wish to fish in, and what state "owns" it. Maps show the line of demarcation where state boundaries exist even on the water. Have the appropriate licensing. Most states offer online fishing license applications at their local DNR (Department of Natural Resources) websites. Along with your general license, you need a salmon stamp. Get it at the same time as your fishing license.
2 Know what type of salmon exists in Lake Michigan, and when and where you will find them. Along with natural reproduction, all of the states bordering the Great Lakes stock them with sports fish, including all species of salmon. Each of the four varieties of salmon exists in generous numbers, but they all have areas of heavier concentration based on their individual type.
Chinook, or King salmon, spawns in the rivers and streams of Lake Michigan in the fall. The best time to catch them from a boat in Lake Michigan itself is in the earlier part of the year in spring and summer.
Coho, also called Silver salmon, is an interesting fish in that it migrates in the Lake from north in the summer to south in the cooler winter months. On the big water of Lake Michigan, the best time for Coho trolling on a boat is late winter to early fall, February through October.
The delicious Pink salmon is more elusive in Lake Michigan. You may find them on rare occasions, but they are not stocked in Lake Michigan specifically. The Pinks that do arrive in Lake Michigan waters migrate there from the more northern Great Lakes and their tributaries and rivers.
Once stocked in Lake Michigan, the Atlantic salmon now exists only in natural reproduction in Lake Huron. Because Huron is at the same level, and directly connected, Atlantic salmon often migrates into Lake Michigan.
3 Find the right water temperature for the season. In the cool late winter, early spring, and late fall months search for pockets of warm water where fish likely migrate. In the summer, you are looking for cooler water than the average lake temperatures. The average temperature for the best fishing is around 52 degrees. In the most extreme summer temperatures finding cold water requires a lot of patience, and sometimes very long lines because it is very far deep. A great fish-finder with a water temperature reading is a huge asset.
4 Choose your bait. For live bait, salmon love alewives. Bait fishing becomes a sport unto itself, or you can pick live bait up at a local bait shop. Spoons are the lure bait of choice on big water like Lake Michigan. Unlike most inland lakes, the Great Lakes behave more like inland oceans. The types of bait that work on Lake Michigan are the type more often used in ocean open waters than those used in small, calm lakes.
5 Charter a boat if you have no access to one. Chartering is a great way to get out on the Great Lakes if you are from out of town or don't own your own boat. Chartering is very helpful if you do not have a great deal of game fish experience, and even if you do, if you do not know the area well.

Read More

Facts About Deep Sea Fishing

Deep sea fishing is generally considered to be that which takes place where water is close to 100 feet deep, or when a boat is not easily visible from shore. While this definition includes most commercial fishing, the term deep sea fishing usually refers to the recreational version. Fishing of this sort offers new challenges to anglers, but can bear impressive rewards in the form of larger and more desirable fish.

Destinations

In the United States there are several key regions where deep sea fishing is most popular. The coastal region of New England includes areas off Connecticut, Massachusetts and Maine as major deep sea fishing locales. Likewise, South Carolina and Florida offer warmer waters on America's eastern shore. The Gulf of Mexico is another major destination, accessible from Texas ports. Finally, more exotic destinations like Alaska, the Bahamas or the Caribbean draw anglers from around the world.

Boats

Many different types of boats are used in deep sea fishing. As a rule they are larger than boats used for fishing in rivers or on lakes, since they must travel greater distances and stand up to more severe conditions that occur further from land. Deep sea fishing boats range in size from those that can accommodate a few passengers to large commercial vessels that can take dozens of passengers on a fishing expedition. Navigation systems and sizable storage tanks for the large fish that might be caught are common equipment on deep sea fishing boats.

Equipment

Deep sea fishing uses the standard equipment needed to catch any sort of fish. However, as the fish found in deep waters are often much larger than those caught close to shore (or inland), heavy-duty tackle is needed. Rods that can withstand more tension and weight are needed, as is a stronger, higher-test fishing line. Both artificial and live bait are used in deep sea fishing, depending largely on the type of fish being pursued. Minnows, squid and chunks of cut up larger fish are common types of bait.

Fish

Fishing in deep waters gives anglers access to many types of fish that never venture close to shore, and larger varieties of other fish as well. In the American Southeast, deep sea fishing often targets cobia, grouper, kingfish, snapper and barracuda. Halibut and salmon are the main types of fish caught off Alaska. In New England, striped bass, shark, haddock and cod are on the menu. The fishing technique can also determine what type of fish is caught. For example, trolling the fishing line near the surface is more likely to result in catches of tuna, shark or barracuda. Snapper and grouper are more often caught when fishing near the bottom.

Dangers

This pursuit stands out as being more dangerous than fishing from land or closer to shore. The safety of a given voyage is largely dependent on the weather. Since many charters last several days, they may not receive uninterrupted good weather at all times of year. Boats used for deep sea fishing should be chosen for construction that allows them to endure harsh conditions, and safety gear including life jackets, radios and flares must always be included in the required equipment. Passengers should also familiarize themselves with the procedures to follow in an emergency. When the proper precautions are taken, deep sea fishing can be a reasonably safe, unique form of recreation.

Read More

Facts About Deep Sea Fish

Deep sea fish live in water depths below 200m (656 feet) where light cannot reach. These creatures are some of the most mysterious in the world. According to NOVA's "Into the Abyss," the water pressure increases by over 14 pounds per square inch with every 32.8 feet in depth. Since they are adapted to live under the phenomenal pressure of deep sea water, if they are brought up to the surface, they soon die.

Appearance

Many deep sea fish have incredibly large mouths in relation to their overall body size. This is thought to be because food is so scarce that they need to be able to swallow as much as they can when they find food.

Food

Scientists are still unclear as to the exact diets of many deep sea creatures. Most deep sea fish are carnivorous, hunting and scavenging.

Types

Some of the most common types of deep sea fish include lanternfish, anglerfish, viperfish, ogrefish, orange roughy and the umbrellamouth gulper.

Sight

Many deep sea fish are able to produce blue or red light, called bioluminescence, from chemicals in their bodies. This light is usually concentrated in one spot.

Controversy

According to BBC News, many deep sea species take nearly 20 years to become sexually mature. It is thought some species are on the verge of extinction because of over-harvesting from trawler fishing.

Read More

Repairing Broken Fishing Poles

Fishing is an activity that most of us have participated in since were children and for many adults the sport still attracts them. The main implement of the fisherman is his pole. What happens when your favorite fishing pole breaks? Many repairs to the pole can be made including broken tips, mid-pole breaks and loss of guides.

Instructions

1 Repair a broken fishing rod that has been broken in the middle of the rod by trimming the ends of the break square and placing a ferrule in the break. One side of the ferrule is cemented to the top half of the rod and the other side of the ferrule is cemented to the bottom half of the rod. Ferrules can be obtained at sporting goods stores or fishing supply stores.
2 Replace a broken guide with a similar guide that can be found at sporting goods stores. The guide is re-tied to the rod in the place where the old guide was. If the old guide is still on the pole, cut the string that has the guide tied to the pole and remove both the guide and the old string. Re-tie the new guide in place and coat the new string with lacquer to cure it and hold it together.
3 Restore a broken tip by trimming the end of the rod square and cementing on a new tip that can be bought at most hardware stores. Be sure to align the tip with the rest of the guides.

Read More

Keeping Crickets for Fishing

You don't need a fancy setups to keep crickets alive for your next fishing trip but, depending on how long it will be before you need them, you will have to make some provisions for them. Food, water and air, of course, are their primary needs, but the insects need these things to be presented to them in particular ways if you want to keep them alive.

Instructions

1 Either buy or build a cricket bin. A plastic storage bin can work fine for this, but make sure to puncture several small holes in the top to let fresh air in. A wooden box or an aquarium with a screen over the top can work just as well.
2 Crickets like to bundle and hide, so take egg cartons, toilet paper rolls, and paper towel rolls and lay them all around in different positions in the bottom of your bin. This will also make it easier to catch the crickets when needed.
3 Keep the bin warm at all times. If you can bring it inside, that's perfect. Otherwise, you can try to use a heat lamp to keep the bin at around room temperature. Make sure to connect the lamp to a timer so it will only go on only for short bursts -- high heat levels will kill the insects as surely as freezing temperatures will.
4 Slice up whole potatoes into fours and place them all around the bin. This will supply food for your crickets.
5 Place a small container in a bottom corner to keep water for them. Don't just fill a bowl with water, though -- the insects will drown in it. Instead, try using damp paper towels or use gel beads that hold water. You can typically find them in the gardening section of your local hardware store.
6 Place your crickets and you're ready to go. Check their food and water every other day.

Read More

Using Polarized Sunglasses when Fishing or Boating

If you want to see better when fishing or boating wear polarized sunglasses

Instructions

1 If you do wear polarized sunglasses while fishing you will definitely catch more fish especially bass, in rivers and streams it is very important to use polarized sunglasses. Polarized Sunglasses cut through the glare created by the sun and allow you to see into the water near underwater structure like logs and tree limbs. This gives you a advantage as a bass fisherman. When it comes to polarized sunglasses try and buy a good pair . If you buy cheap sunglasses they can cause eye strain and the plastic polarized lenses will break. Do not make this mistake trying to save a few bucks,good polarized sunglasses are the way to go.Whether you spend your time fishing, or boating, snow skieing polarized sunglasses are an excellent choice.
2 Polarized sunglasses will come with a tag on the lenses to let you know that they are polarized.
Light reflected from the water surfaces or smooth water is horizontally polarized. This horizontally polarized light is blocked by the vertically oriented polarizers in the lenses. The glare from the water produces eyestrain, and can caused you to squint.Regular sunglass tinting alone can not cure this problem of glare from the water's surface.
3 Polarized sunglasses absorb the reflected glare and pass the useful light to your eyes so you see more fish and structure under the surface. The truth is that I use Ray Ban polarize sunglasses they are expensive but worth the extra cost to me. Make sure you use bands to slide on the sunglasses so you don't loose them over board.
When I first started bass fishing without polarized lenses I could not make out the structure under the water's surface.I started using the Ray Ban sunglasses and I could not believe the difference.When I was wearing the Ray ban polarized sunglasses I could actually see the bass under the water.I could make out the bass swimming near rocks or trees that were under the surface of the water.

Read More

Connecting Wires to a Fish Tape

From installing a new flat panel television to installing speaker wire, many homeowners can find themselves peering into a cut opening in the wall trying to pull wires from one point to another. A fish tape is a thin metal strip that can be used to pull wiring through a wall to where a new television or speaker will be installed. Attaching the wire to a fish tape should be done so that it remains securely in place as it is pulled.

Instructions

1 Feed the fish tape through the wall to the opening where wires will be attached.
2 Pull the hooked end of the fish tape from the wall so it is easily accessible.
3 Bend the wires over the hook on the end of the fish tape. Fold the wires down and against the main length of wiring.
4 Wrap electrical tape around the wire beginning at least 1 inch below the end of the folded-over wire.
5 Wrap the tape up the wire, making overlapping wraps. Continue wrapping the electrical tape over the hook of the fish tape and up the fish tape for another inch. Cut the duct tape free from the roll with scissors. Now you can pull the fish tape through the wall or conduit -- and the wire will be pulled along with it.

Read More

Tips On Transport Pond Fish

Transporting pond fish is very common. Luckily, pond fish are very tolerant of such moves. Fish dealers and breeders successfully transport their stock of pond fish to locations around the world. Transporting pond fish will work as long as the fish are provided enough oxygen and clean water, and the necessary precautions are taken to protect the bags and the fish inside. Planning and patience when netting the fish is required.

Instructions

1 Reduce or stop the fish's food intake. Fish breeders will starve the fish for a few days before transporting them because reducing food intake will reduce the amount of potentially toxic waste that will be produced and transported with the fish (see reference 1).
2 Prepare bags to hold the fish, oxygen to fill the bags and boxes to protect and block light or anything else that may cause stress for the bagged fish. The boxes and plastic fish bags should be bought from a pond fish or koi dealer. The oxygen can also be rented from a pond fish dealer.
3 Double the plastic fish bags, and fill the bags 1/5 of the way with clean pond water that is free of debris. The bag should be big enough so that filling it 1/5 of the way is enough to keep the fish submerged. Place the prepared bag in a box.
4 Net the fish in the least stressful way possible to keep their metabolic rate down for transport. Instead of chasing the fish with the net, corner it with the net so that it goes in headfirst.
5 Keep the fish in the net submerged by using a bowl or other type of basin, and lead the netted fish into the prepared bag.
6 Empty any remaining air in the bag and inflate it with oxygen, twist the bag, then close with rubber bands. Place the bag in the box and secure the box in the transportation vehicle. Transporting the fish horizontally will prevent larger specimens from hitting their tails or heads in case of a quick stop or deceleration when driving (see reference 2).
7 When the bagged fish have made it to their destination, open the bags and float them in the pond water for several minutes and then introduce the new pond water into the bag. This helps acclimate the fish and reduces stress before putting them in the new pond (see reference 1).

Read More

Catching Big Fish in Indiana

The term big fish is relative. Many people are quite happy catching sunfish which normally weigh only a few ounces and consider a big one to be a specimen weighing a pound. Other people use fish weighing a pound as bait, hoping to catch fish weighing 20 pounds or more. In Indiana, most fishermen seldom catch a fish weighing more than 5 pounds. If you want to catch one larger than that, heres how.

Instructions

Fish Research

1 Obtain a copy of the Indiana Fishing Guide put out each year by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
2 Look at the regulations section to see what species of fish are available in Indiana.
3 Look at the listing of state record fish in the guide to learn the maximum size each species has attained in Indiana. As a general rule, catching a fish half the size of the current state record is considered to be a worthy accomplishment. The current Indiana state record chinook salmon is 38 pounds so set your sights on catching one at least 19 pounds.

Research Locations

4 Check which lakes, rivers or reservoirs in Indiana are home to various species of fish. Salmon are only found in Lake Michigan. Pure bred stripers and muskellunge are only stocked in a few lakes.
5 Look at the places where state record fish have been caught and also where fish winning the Indiana DNRs Fish of the Year contest were caught. Chances are good if a body of water is capable of producing a prize-winning fish, its capable of producing others nearly as large.
6 Judge the relative size of the lakes, rivers or reservoirs containing the species you would like to catch. A general rule is the larger the body of water, the larger the size of fish iat is capable of producing as well as more of them.

Fish Big

7 Select baits or lures larger than normally used to attract bigger-sized fish. While large fish can be caught on small lures and little fish occasionally bite large baits, selecting oversized bait or lures can eliminate catching the small fish and up your chances of connecting with a trophy specimen.
8 Employ heavier rods and reels with stronger line when after large fish. You can catch them on light equipment, but using appropriate gear for the job at hand makes sense.
9 Pay strict attention to details. Connect your hooks or lures to the line using good, strong knots. Use the freshest bait available. Use new lures with sharp hooks to gain the advantage.
10 Fish at the time of year the big ones are most available or willing to bite. For salmon on Lake Michigan, that means during the spawning run. For largemouth bass, target the spring when they are often found in shallow water.

Boats and Guides

11 Travel by boat to the fishing area. Big fish can be caught from the shore, but using a boat insures you can fish in the perfect spot, not just the handiest one you can get to.
12 Hire a guide to take you fishing. Local experts know tricks, tactics and locations, upping the chance you will catch the fish you are seeking.
13 Follow the recommendations of the guide about when to come, the tackle to bring and other details he explains.

Read More

How to Ice Fish For Pickerel

Ice fishing in many northern American locations would not be the same if not for pickerel. This fish species can be caught easily if you know what you are doing and can turn an otherwise slow day on the ice into a fun one. Chances are that whatever lake, pond or river inlet you choose, pickerel inhabit it. Here are some tips for how to catch pickerel while ice fishing.

Instructions

How To Ice Fish For Pickerel

1 When fishing for pickerel, the time of day doesn't matter as they will hit a shiner from morning until nightfall. Pickerel can hit in spurts, meaning there will be a flurry of action and then a down time, or they will attack your shiners with regularity during the day.
2 Hook your shiners right behind the dorsal fin on the back, an inch from the end of the tail. Medium-size shiners are sufficient to attract pickerel. Pickerel are pigs and will sometimes eat like there is no tomorrow. Pickerel have been caught on a shiner and found to have a full-grown sunfish still in their gullet! They also will attack and eat other smaller pickerel.
3 Concentrate your tip-ups where you are having success. Ice fishing is all about location, regardless of the species you're targeting. If you have six tip-ups in the water and two are seeing no hits at all, move them to other areas. Every time you catch a pickerel, grab a tip-up that has not been producing and set it up 10 yards from your last catch.
4 Set your shiners shallow. Pickerel will grab a shiner that is right under the ice and, when fishing in this manner, you won't have to worry about measuring your line to have the bait a foot off the bottom. You also avoid dealing with weeds in which your shiner can become entangled. You will find that you can catch pickerel with the bait just 2 feet beneath the ice.
5 If you get a bite but the shiner is gone, or if you have the pickerel on for a brief time but the hook isnt set properly, dont sweat it. Pickerel will return. Reset the tip-up with another shiner and dont stray too far from it. That flag will be up before you know it in most cases.
6 Dont be fooled if the flag trips on a tip-up but the line isnt moving when you get to it. Pickerel will often grab a shiner and go into the weeds to eat it. Just because the line isnt flying off the reel doesnt mean a pickerel isnt home. Set the hook if the line doesn't continue to not move and be ready. Even large pickerel, those over 20 inches, may not necessarily take off after grabbing your shiner. Take nothing for granted!
7 Watch out for those teeth. Pickerel have tiny razor-sharp teeth designed to grab prey and not let go. Your fingers will bleed for quite a while if you put them in the pickerels mouth after hauling one onto the ice. Stay clear and use a hook remover or needle-nose pliers to get the hook out. Pickerel almost never swallow a hook, so they can be removed and the fish sent back down the hole or brought home for dinner.

Read More

How to Tie or Make Spawn Bags for Salmon Fishing

Spawn bags are a type of bait frequently use by salmon anglers. Each bag is made of a piece of fine mesh folded around a number of cured fish eggs to form a cluster of eggs that stays on the hook. The spawn bag offers a more attractive bait to hungry salmon with a good scent profile and highly visible color. To keep the spawn bag up off the bottom and suspended in the water, small foam floats are sometimes added. Spawn bags are simple to make, with each bag taking around 2 or 3 minutes to put together.

Instructions

1 Place about 1 lb. of the fresh salmon or trout eggs in a disposable plastic container. Add the amount of egg brine, according to manufacturer directions, to the eggs. Close the lid tightly on the container. Swish the container around to mix the eggs and brine. Let the eggs steep in the brine for one hour, swishing them around every 10 minutes.
2 Pour the eggs into the strainer to remove any excess brine. Lay some paper towels on a baking sheet. Pour the eggs onto the towels. Wearing rubber gloves, spread the eggs out on the towels. Refrigerate the eggs uncovered for 24 hours. Place the eggs back in the cleaned and dried plastic container.
3 Place a square of spawn bag mesh on the baking sheet. Measure 1 tsp. of eggs onto the center of the spawn bag mesh. Place any spawn bag floats on the mesh, if desired.
4 Fold the corners of the spawn bag mesh around the eggs and floats. Twist the mesh above the eggs to close the bag. Wrap the twisted mesh with the elastic thread and tie it to seal the spawn bag. Trim the thread and mesh to just above the tie.
5 Insert the hook on your salmon rig through the center of the spawn bag. The mesh will keep the eggs and floats on the hook while the rig is being fished.

Read More

Preparing Your Fishing Line

Fishing, like hunting, originated as a means of food collection. In the modern day of supermarkets and fast food, fishing is more of a hobby than a necessity. However it is important to properly set up your fishing line to have a relaxing day at the fishing pond. Weak knots, poorly attached bobbers and loose bait can sabotage your efforts to land that big lunker.

Instructions

1 Tie on your hook. It is important to tie on your hook before adding weights or bobbers so that you know exactly how much line you have to work with. Begin by threading 4 inches of line (called the tag end) through the eye of the hook.
2 Wrap the tag end around the fishing line six times.


3 Insert the end of fishing line through the hoop you created just above the hook eye and then through the eye itself. Pull the line tight to cinch your knot. Snip away any leftover line.
4 Attach your bobber to the line approximately 12 to 18 inches above the hook. Most bobbers are attached by pressing the small button, thereby exposing small hooks on either end of the device. Run the fishing line under each hook and release the button to secure it in place. To adjust the bobber, push in the button slightly and slide it up and down the fishing line.
5 Attach a weight to the line 3 or 4 inches above the hook if using live fish for bait. The weight will prevent the bait from swimming too close to the surface. Most weights are attached by looping the line through grooves in the metal. Other weights are attached by running a loop of fishing line through the eyelet and then running the weight through the loop.
6 Attach your bait to the hook. Worms can be attached by inserting the hook into the end and pushing it through the length of the bait, or by spearing it through the side of the worm in three or four different places. Live fish should be hooked under the spine just before the dorsal fin.
7 Reel in your line until the bobber dangles a few inches below the end of your rod.

Read More

Fishing Tournament Organizing Tips

While golf and tennis are the best-known outdoor tournament sports, fishing tournaments have been around for decades. The most famous are the Bass Anglers Sportsmen Society (BASS) tournaments, but tournaments are now devoted to the love of other species or just to the sport in general.

Instructions

Basic Steps

1 Determine the purpose and scope of the tournament. It might be to promote sport fishing, to test the skills of the participants, to provide fellowship and camaraderie among the participants, or something else. Will this be a small one-time event, or part of something bigger?
2 Develop an organization to oversee the tournament, dividing the duties of planning and promotion among the group's members.
3 Choose the tournament date and location, and the species of fish that will be targeted by fishermen. Most freshwater tournaments focus on one species, such as largemouth bass or walleye.
4 Contact the state agency that oversees fishing regulations in the state where the tournament will be staged for both the state's bag limits, as well as to obtain any necessary permits to conduct the tournament.
5 Draft the contest rules and post them on the tournament website. Rules should cover entry fees and prize structure, scoring methods (total weight or point system), limits on number and size of fish (especially if more restrictive than state regulations), and rules on the handling of fish. Many fishing tournaments support bringing fish in alive and releasing them after weigh-in.

Organizational Responsibilities

6 Appoint a coordinator to oversee the efforts of all of the people assigned to tasks.
7 Pick someone responsible for promoting the event through posters, newspaper advertising, radio, television and the Internet.
8 Have someone serve as the liaison with the state agency that oversees fishing and fishing tournaments.
9 Get a mailing list of possible contestants from local fishing clubs or the like and send each prospective contestant an entry form and complete rules.
10 Arrange for lodging for all the fishermen competing in the tournament. This can be as simple as booking a campsite or as sophisticated as securing rooms in a nearby hotel.
11 Provide food for all of the anglers. Lunch can be sandwiches and soda given to each fisherman before he sets out, because the anglers will probably spend lunch hour on the water, while breakfast and dinner should be sit-down meals.
12 Contact local organizations as well as fishing equipment manufacturers to be sponsors and to provide prizes for the event.

Read More

Catching Coho Salmon

One of the most popular fish to eat is the salmon, and it's also one of the most popular to catch for people who love to fish. They are a challenge for the angler, including a propensity for spectacular fights and jumps when hooked.

Instructions

1 Know where the fish live. Although Coho Salmon (also known as Silver Salmon) can be found elsewhere, the most popular locations to catch this fish are in the Pacific Northwest including Alaska and in the Midwest, especially in Lake Michigan.
2 Familiarize yourself with the laws. Each state in the range of the Coho Salmon has strict laws about when, where and how you can fish. The state of Washington, famous for its salmon, admits the rules there are "some of the most complex fishing regulations in the world." Generally, the regulations are designed to protect the species from over fishing.


3 Fish for Midwest Coho Salmon in the spring. They start to spawn in July, but earlier in the year you'll find them in shallow water fairly close to the surface anywhere between 50 to 150 feet out, so it's easier to catch them off a pier. The Lake Michigan season usually gets underway in May.
4 Stay shallow. Pacific Ocean Coho Salmon also like shallow water, and you'll generally find them in the 20-foot depth range--swimming in schools--no matter the time of day or what the weather is like. You won't catch many below 100 feet. Watch for tidal or rip currents, since they tend to attract food for the Coho Salmon.
5 Use live bait or lures. Fresh water Coho Salmon can be caught with night crawlers, salmon eggs or crawdads, or in salt water with herring and a flasher to attract attention. The fish are known to hit a variety of lures, including medium-sized spoons. You don't need a great deal of equipment to catch a Coho Salmon; they can easily be taken if you bring a strong but ordinary rod and a pair of waders to stand in a river.
6 Drift along. This method has you casting a line upriver, and then letting the line (up to 30 pounds) drift through an area where you might catch a Coho Salmon. Since they are likely to be in shallower water, you aren't likely to need weights to hold down your line and bait. You can do this from the shore or from a boat.
7 Get the Salmon's attention. Most anglers suggest using colorful lures, and often apply a commercial product that adds smell to their set up. Rattles can add sound to encourage a Coho Salmon to check out your line.

Read More

Fishing for Sockeye Salmon Tips & Guide

Each year, typically from May through July, millions of sockeye salmon on an annual spawning migration invade the Pacific tributaries from northern California to Alaska. The wild parade of these red-backed salmon attracts an army of anglers. Known for being finicky biters and lackadaisical in their search for prey, the sockeye is often a relentless fighter when hooked and can put on an aerial acrobatic display as it tries to escape. Patience and repetition is required to properly catch these sought after fish.

Instructions

1 Attach lead weights to the fishing line just above the point where the fly is attached. Adjustments may have to be made depending on the depth and speed of the water. Choose a weight that will sink to the bottom quickly while still allowing for the current to pull it downstream while ticking along the bottom.
2 Stand on shore or in ankle deep water and flip your line into the current three to 10 feet out toward the other shore of the river. Aim for the natural traveling path of the hundreds of fish that are streaming by in front of you close to shore.
3 Feed out line as your lure travels downstream in the current and wait for a bite.
4 Jerk your rod upwards or sideways when a fish strikes. Sometimes the fish may simply take the lure in its mouth and the lure will feel as if it is snagged on the bottom. Jerk your rod when you feel this sensation as well.
5 Set your drag to allow the fish to run while still keeping the line taut.
6 Reel in your line while keeping the line taut. Take in any slack as fast as possible if the fish swims toward you. Your drag setting from Step 5 should allow the fish to swim away from you without breaking your line.

Read More

Choosing Lures for Bass Fishing

People who are inexperienced at fishing think they can just put a worm on a hook and call it a lure. Not so, as anyone who spends time on the water can tell you. When you're trying for bass, certain lures work better than others, and it's a matter of bringing specific elements together at the right time. Here's how to choose the right lures for bass fishing.

Instructions

1 Learn all you can about the bass in the waters you fish. This entails finding out what they eat: insects, other fish or frogs. Choose a lure that's similarly colored and shaped like their food to ensure more success in bass fishing.
2 Research the different types of lures. Once you figure out if this is how you want to spend some of your spare time, you can learn more about specific lures and how they attract bass. There are crankbaits, spinnerbaits, jigs and topwaters.


3 Buy colored lures. Bass fishing lures are available in an array of colors, so take advantage of the variety. Experienced anglers use blue and black lures frequently for bass, but they're also available in red and green.
4 Choose colored lures according to the weather and time of day. On a clear, sunny day, a white lure works best for bass, while overcast days call for a brighter colored lure. When embarking on a night-fishing expedition, choose dark-colored lures.
5 Threaten the spring spawning. If you're taking advantage of the warmer months for bass fishing, know that this is when they spawn. You should therefore choose a lure that resembles a salamander or other small, live threat to their spawning beds to encourage bites.
6 Check the water conditions. If the waters you're fishing are murky, a bright lure is the best choice. When you can't see anything in the water, the lure should be not only bright, but shiny and noisy as well. On days when the water is clear, choose a lure that imitates the bass food supply.
7 Consider your budget. If you have money to spend on your lure supply, then have some fun in the sporting goods store, and stock up on a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. If you're new to the sport or are on a limited budget, start out with a supply of plastic worms, a couple of jigs and some white spinner bait.

Read More

Ice Fishing Spots Picking Secrets

Ice fishing is an old sport with a new lure. There are ice fishing huts to keep people warm, ice fishing devices to locate the fish, and lots of company to keep the trip lively. Because of all the new devices to help an ice fisher, the sport is gaining in popularity. Here's how to pick an ice fishing spot where the fish abound.

Instructions

1 Choose a location with which you are familiar and where you can find the fish you want. Choose the time of day that has been the best for you in the past. Late afternoon is said to be best for most fish. Choose deeper waters in the winter.
2 Pick an ice fishing spot with electronics. Buy a good depth finder. The Vexilar FL-8 has been known to be very reliable. Pour water on the ice. Aim the flash type depth finder through the ice. Record bottom density so you can mark the fish.


3 Start fishing by digging a hole. Put proper bait on the lure and drop it down to the bottom. Wind the lure up 5 inches and fish for 15 minutes. If there are no bites, move up 5 more inches. Begin fishing for 10 to 15 more minutes. Continue this until you find fish or reach the surface of the water. Dig a new hole if there are no fish and continue the quest.
4 Pick an ice fishing spot someone else has told you about. There are several web blogs about ice fishing. Especially in winter, there are regular updates on which lakes are producing the best catches and at what times of day. Ask at a store that sells ice fishing equipment where the ice fishing hot spots are located. People might not give out their favorite hot spot, but they will share the general location.
5 Search deserted ice for existing holes. Do not choose the dispersed holes because these indicate searching holes. Search the lake until you find several concentrated holes. This indicates that there were fish and anglers here. Start fishing and see if the people left without the fish.
6 Search among rock, gravel and weedline areas just before the deep water. Fish need food and protection. Look in areas where these would be abundant. Temperature and light play a role in fish distribution and are usually better in these areas.
7 Look in areas where no one else is. Search the secret areas where less anglers travel. They might have found something adequate and stopped searching for the big one.

Read More

Top Guide Of Get a Hunting & Fishing License in QC Canada

If you're going to hunt or fish in Quebec, you must have a separate license for each activity. Licenses are also dependent on the type of animals you're going after, and the area you'll be in. For instance, a big game hunting license will allow you to go after caribou, white-tailed deer, black bears and moose. But if you want to hunt for antlerless deer, you'll need a random draw license. In addition, only certain hunting licenses are available to visitors. All fishing licenses are available to residents and nonresidents alike.

Instructions

Hunting Licenses

1 If you're a resident of Quebec, obtain your hunter's certificate by passing a training course for your intended weapon of use. You can choose between crossbows, a crossbow and a bow, or firearms. Courses are given throughout the year. For information on these courses contact the Fdration Qubcoise des Chasseurs et Pcheurs at (888) 523-2863.
Nonresident visitors do not need a Quebec hunting certificate in order to obtain a hunting license.
2 Decide on the type of animal you'll be hunting. If you're a Quebec resident you may obtain licenses for big game, antlerless deer, wild turkey, small game and frogs. Nonresidents may hunt for big game and certain types of small game like migratory birds. However, some big game, like caribou, may only be hunted on an organized trip with a licensed outfitter. In addition, most nonresidents are not eligible for random draw licenses.
3 If you're a Quebec resident and you want to hunt for wild turkey, take a wild turkey hunting course. Contact the Fdration Qubcoise des Chasseurs et Pcheurs at (888) 523-2863 for more information about this course.
4 Purchase your hunters license from a sporting goods, convenience or hardware store. You may also find them at certain wildlife sanctuaries or outfitters. Federal migratory bird hunting licenses can be purchased at the post office. Resident rates for September 2009 ranged from $17.76 for a small game license to $61 for caribou. Nonresidents licenses cost $84.50 to $343.

Fishing Licenses

5 Decide what types of fish you want to catch. There are three types of fishing licenses in Quebec, Canada: burbot, salmon and anything other than salmon or burbot. If you're going to fish in a salmon river during salmon season, you'll need a salmon license, even if you're going for other types of fish. Burbot licenses are required to fish for burbot in the lake Saint-Jean.
6 Decide when you'd like to fish. If you're a resident and you'll be fishing during the Fishing Festival in June, you don't need a license. But you will need one at any other time. Nonresidents must have one at all times.
7 Obtain your license. Like the hunting licenses, fishing licenses are typically sold at hardware, convenience and sporting goods stores. You may also find them at zecs (controlled natural zones) or certain wildlife sanctuaries. Salmon fishing licenses can be obtained at salmon fishing zecs and outfitting operations that deal with salmon fishing. You can obtain the burbot fishing license from authorized sales agents in the Saguenay--Lac-Saint-Jean area. The cost of the license is dependent on your age, the type of license you want and the amount of time you'll be fishing. In September 2009 they ranged from $11 to $43 for residents, and $12.25 to $138 for nonresidents.

Read More

How to Raise Worms for Fish Bait

If you are an avid fisherman, purchasing bait on a regular basis can become quite costly. Raising your own worms is an economical way to have bait available whenever you want to go fishing. In addition, it is an environmentally friendly hobby as well. Because worms live and thrive from food scraps, they provide an excellent alternative to throwing garbage in a landfill. In addition, the waste products from worm farms create nutrient rich compost that can be used for garden fertilizer.

Instructions

1 Locate a shady spot to start your worm farm.
2 Drill 1/4 inch drainage holes in the bottom of two plastic tubs. The holes should be one to two inches apart and cover the entire bottom of the tub to create a grid pattern.


3 Create air holes in a grid pattern in the top of one lid using a 1/4 inch drill bit and drill. The holes should be about three inches apart.
4 Put the lid without holes directly on the ground. Place four bricks on each corner of the lid. Set one tub on top of the bricks.
5 Pour three inches of soil into the bin that was just placed onto the bricks.
6 Add several dozen worms of your choice to on top of the soil and cover with additional soil.
7 Place second tub into first tub so it is in direct contact with the soil.
8 Wet some newspaper, wad it up into balls and place it in the top bin. Add scraps of leftover food to the newspaper.
9 Cover the food and newspaper with a piece of cardboard.
10 Cover the top bin with the lid in which you drilled the air holes.
11 Add food scraps and newspaper at least once or twice per week. Stir up the compost mixture when you add the food. Keep contents damp, but do not saturate.
12 When the top bin is half full and has a lot of worms inside, you will need to rotate the bins. This should happen every two to three months. Use the excess compost from the bottom bin in the garden or store in a container for future use. Rotate the top bin to the bottom and restart the top bin as noted in steps 9 through 11.

Read More

Selecting Carp Fishing Tackle For Carp Fishing

Carp fishing is one of the most exciting freshwater fishing sports. Carp fishing is fun and even challenging, due to the amazing strength of a carp after it has been hooked. Even though carp are sometimes hated for their destructive nature in lakes, they're still targeted by many fishermen. Carp fishing requires durable carp fishing tackle and good carp bait. Using the wrong type of carp fishing tackle could result in a broken fishing pole. While you can use different rods for carp fishing, it's best to use special carp fishing rods. Using the proper carp fishing gear will ensure that you land that monster carp.

Here are some things to consider when you go out to buy carp fishing tackle for carp fishing.

Instructions

1 Buy the right type of carp fishing rods. The three basic types of carp fishing rods are the all-through-action, medium tip action and fast taper tip action. The rod you choose for carp fishing depends on the distance being fished. All-through action is best for short distances when carp fishing. For a little more distance, a medium action rod is a good choice because it has more power toward the handle. For very long distance casts, the fast tip action rod is recommended. Any carp fishing rod will also have a test curve that's calibrated to the weight of the fish.
2 Buy good carp fishing reels. Some good carp fishing reels are the bait runner type reels. When carp fishing, this allows the carp to take off with the bait, without pulling your fishing gear into the water, if you're holding another rod. A bait runner mechanism allows the line to be pulled from the reel with very little tension but it can be easily disengaged at the angler's discretion. If you decide that you don't want to use a carp fishing reel, then you should make sure you're using durable line and that you properly adjust the drag feature on the reel. If the drag is set too tight, the line will break.
3 Choose the right fishing line when you buy your carp fishing tackle. Multiply the test curve of your carp fishing rod by 5 to determine the line weight. This means that a rod with a 3-pound test curve requires a 15-pound test line. This formula applies to monofilament line only, and not to the newer braided type line. Braided line is extremely durable for carp fishing, but the problem is that it's more noticeable by fish. Low visibility line is best to use for both braided line and monofilament.
4 Buy plenty of hooks for your carp fishing tackle. Either barbed or barbless hooks can be used for carp fishing. The best sizes range from 4-12 for carp fishing hooks. Treble hooks are also good to use, because they have a better chance of hooking the carp, due to the extremely sharp ends. You might want to check your local fishing rules, before selecting hooks for your carp fishing tackle. Some areas might have specials regulations for carp fishing gear.
5 Choose your sinkers for your carp fishing tackle. When carp fishing, it's best to get your carp bait right on the bottom, so you should choose sinkers that are heavy enough to sink right to the bottom. This is important it you plan on going carp fishing in rivers or water with any current. If you're sinker's too light in weight, the carp bait will nearly be floating on the top of the water. Carp feed on the bottom a lot, so it's best to try and keep carp bait on the bottom or near it. Egg sinkers are ideal for carp fishing, because the extra weight allows a longer cast.
6 Choose the right carp bait. There are so many different things that can be used for carp bait. You can even go online and find recipes to make your own carp bait. Some fisherman like to bake their own carp bait dough balls, while others use worms or cheese. It's best to use certain foods that have a strong odor in the water, because it easily attracts carp. Sometimes corn works really well for carp fishing, as well as cheese. You can even fill up a chum bag with carp bait and toss it into the water to attract the carp. There's also packaged carp bait at the store, but fresh carp bait seems to work better.
For the best carp bait and recipes, use the recommended site in the resources section below. If you're serious about fishing, you can get effective carp bait for your next day of fishing.
7 Consider using a fishing bell for carp fishing. A fishing bell is placed on the end of your carp fishing rod, so you can manage more than one fishing pole at the same time. When the bell rings, remove the bell and set the hook. Fishing bells work good if you're carp fishing from shore in a lake without any current. Using a bell for carp fishing in a moving river or from a boat, does not work well.

Read More

A Guide To Get a Fishing License in Indiana

For some people, there is nothing more exciting or relaxing, than going fishing. If you are hoping to catch a big one in Indiana, you will need a fishing license before you step on to the boat. Here is how you can get a fishing license in Indiana.

Instructions

1 Buy your license online from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website. This will allow you to print up your license immediately.
2 Get your Indiana fishing license in person. You can go to any independent agents, county clerks and most Departments of Natural Resources.
3 Apply for your license by mail. Send a check, money order or credit card number and expiration date for licenses. Check with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources for license prices.

Read More

Go Fishing with Topwater Lures, and Catch More Fish

Topwater lures are often the best way to catch bass. They are most effective early in the day or late in the evening when the water is cool and the bass are near the surface. The lures include stickbaits, poppers and buzzbaits, all of which work best near the water surface.

Instructions

1 Pick a topwater lure that resembles the color of the bait fish for the bass you're seeking. The color should also match the major forage in the water.
2 Cast the lure as far as possible into clear water with as little structures as possible. Casting farther will often result in more strikes because you are covering more ground.
3 Reel in the lure if it floats for a few seconds with no strike. Some of the methods are the "stop and go" (reel, stop, reel, stop), "walk the dog" and "twitching." To walk the dog, make the pole perpendicular with the line and twitch the end as you reel in the line. In twitching, let the lure sit and twitch the rod.
4 When a fish strikes, wait at least 2 seconds to set the hook. The bass sucks the lure into its mouth before it bites. If you set the hook immediately, you just pull the lure from the fish's mouth.

Read More

Understanding Basic Cast in Fly-Fishing

In fly-fishing, casting is a back-and-forth motion of the rod and line that allows you to place your fly where you'd like. It takes a good deal of practice to get just right. This is the basic cast.

Instructions

1 Let out 25 feet of line in front of you. Practice out of the water and with-out a fly on the line so that you won't have to worry about getting caught up in anything.
2 Grip your rod as if you were shaking hands with it. Set the rod's handle in your palm and close your fingers around it, keeping your thumb on top.
3 Face the direction that you want to cast, putting your weight on the balls of your feet. Keep your wrist still and stiff; don't allow it to bend. Your elbow, not your shoulder, should be your pivot point. Picture hammering a nail.
4 Think of the movement of your arm in casting as being like that of a clock's hands. If you view a fly fisherman from his or her left profile, the caster will move the rod between 11 o'clock on the forward cast and 1 o'clock on the back cast.
5 Hold the rod at 11 o'clock to begin. From the tip, the loose fly line should trace down the rod until you can grab it with your free hand. Hold and keep it above waist level.
6 Pull the rod back to 1 o'clock, release the line and wait there until the line straightens behind you. Now accelerate the rod forward to 11 o'clock and wait for the loop formed by the arcing line to straighten out.
7 Bring the fingers of your free hand toward the reel and grasp the line between your index finger and thumb.
8 Pull in your outstretched line in 6-inch lengths so it forms a big excess loop right above the reel. You're not pulling more line off the reel or putting any back'you're simply gathering slack to ease the next cast. Pull in only as much as you need to place your cast.
9 To end casting, stop with the forward cast at 11 o'clock. All the slack you pulled in will sail out with your fly (when you have one on the line), which should land right on your target. Assuming, of course, that you've been practicing.

Read More

An Alaska Fishing Trip Packing

All serious fisherman need to make a trip sometime in their life to Alaska, the Land of the Midnight Sun. To make the most of your adventure, preparation and packing the proper gear are essential. If you plan to spend a week at an all-inclusive fly-fishing lodge, your packing list will differ from someone spending the day fishing for halibut without a guide, but the following information is useful for anyone heading to Alaska.

Instructions

1 Check fragile fishing items like rods in protective hard cases for safer airline travel. Carry on all expensive reels, glasses, waders, jackets, licenses, itineraries and boxes of lures or flies that are hard to replace if the airline loses baggage.
2 Take plenty of warm clothes even if traveling in summer since Alaskan weather can be cool and wet any time of year. Plan on layering for warmth and to make it easiest to shed or add layers with changing conditions.
3 Buy a rain jacket made from breathable nylon since it will stay waterproof without the clammy feeling of rubber. Expect plenty of rainy weather during most of the Alaskan fishing season.
4 Pack waders for river or stream fishing. Waders made of breathable nylon will stay more comfortable on a warm day or when hiking. Many waders require separate boots. Felt-soled boots provide the best traction on slippery rocks.
5 Bring a waterproof bag for accessories like pliers, sunglasses, camera, extra tackle, gloves, hat, nonaerosol bug repellent, food, liquids and other personal items. A duffle bag and cooler are fine for fishing out of a boat, but a vest or backpack will work better if hiking onshore.
6 Consider the wild nature of an Alaskan fishing trip and pack safety and survival gear accordingly. Pack a first aid kit, map and compass and plan on buying waterproof matches, fire starters and a knife once you arrive. Be certain that someone in the group knows how to use them.
7 Select a fly-fishing guide who will permit you to keep the fish if that is your preference. Some guides will insist on releasing fish, so if you want a fish dinner make sure you are getting a guide who allows it.

Read More

Tips to Fishing on a Moss-Covered Pond

Many moss-covered ponds hold trophy fish. The main requirement is that the moss is not so thick that it completely robs the pond of oxygen. Fishing in the moss is a nuisance if you do not know how to make a proper approach. Once you learn how to deal with the moss, it will cause very few problems and you will learn that it provides excellent cover for predatory fish. The moss will help to hide your presence and you can use it to your fishing advantage.

Instructions

1 Attach weed guards to all of the lures you will use in and around the moss. The weed guard is a simple, stiff piece of monofilament that guards the point of the hook from becoming tangled in vegetation. When a fish strikes, the guard does not prevent the hook from penetrating the fish's mouth.
2 Concentrate on the edges of the weed beds to draw fish into the open. Predatory fish will hide in the weeds and burst out when prey swims past. With the fish in the open, they will be much easier to land.
3 Fish on top of the weeds with poppers and top-water lures. Look for lines in the weeds where fish may have swum recently and try to draw them to the surface.
4 Use line that is several pounds heavier than typical. This will allow you to pull fish from the moss without breaking the line.
5 Find a small opening in the moss. Jig directly over the opening but stand several feet back to prevent casting a shadow. Fish will gather in these small openings to capture extra oxygen and sunlight.

Read More

How to Knot the Backing to the Fly-Fishing Reel

How to Knot the Backing to the Fly-Fishing Reel. The first step in stringing your rod is to attach backing to your fly-fishing reel. This allows you to take up some of the space on the reel with a material called backing and conserve on the amount of line you'll need to wind around the reel.

Instructions

1 Look at your reel to determine how much backing you'll need. The bigger the reel, the more you'll need to attach. Shoot for having your reel filled to about a 1/4 inch below the spool's rim. If you put too much backing on, the complete fly line won't be able to be spooled onto the reel. You'll be attaching the backing using the "arbor" knot.
2 Take the tag end (the loose end of the line, the part used to tie a knot) of the backing and wrap it around the center post of the reel's spool once.
3 Take the tag end of the backing and tie an "overhand" knot to the standing end (the rest of the line) of the backing, creating a loop around the reel. (The overhand knot is tied like the first step in tying your shoe: take the tag end, wrap it once around the standing end of the backing, and then send it back through the loop and pull it tight.
4 Leave enough length on the tag end of your overhand knot to be able to tie another knot with it.
5 Take the tag end and tie another overhand knot, pulling on the standing line so that both knots meet each other and go down tightly around the spool. When finished, you'll have tied the backing into a loop around the center of the reel. Tighten knots with one steady and continuous motion. You can also moisten the knot before pulling it tight to avoid a deformed knot.
6 Clip the ends of your knots, leaving about 1/8 inch so that they won't slip. You want them trimmed close to the knot, but allow a little room for them if they move when they tighten.
7 Test the knot before fishing - if the knot slips, you can cut it off and try again without losing a part of your line.

Read More

Fishing Line on a Reel Installation Guide

Fishing is an outdoor activity that can provide many memories. Fishing refers to the act of catching fish using a rod, reel, tackle and bait. Different techniques and equipment are used to catch fish depending on the type of water. Setting up this equipment correctly may be intimidating, but catching a fish is rewarding. Fishing line requires specific knots in order to hold correctly. Installing line on the reel is the first step to setting up the fishing gear.

Instructions

1 Thread the fishing line through the loop holes on the rod with your hand. Start with the top hole and thread the line through each hole down to the reel.
2 Open the bail on the spinning reel by flipping it to the open position with your hand.
3 Thread the line into the reel and loop it around the reel spool and bring it back into position to be able to tie a knot.
4 Wrap the end of the fishing line around the line coming from the spool three times in a circular pattern. There should be three loops. Pass the end of the fishing line inside the three loops just created to make a hang-mans noose knot.
5 Slide the noose down onto the reel spool with your hand. Tug on the knot to be sure the knot is tight.
6 Insert a pencil through the hole in the fishing line spool.
7 Have a partner hold the pencil with the fishing line spool installed keeping tension on the line.
8 Close the bail on the fishing reel with your hand. Turn the lever on the reel to reel the line onto the spool with your partner keeping pressure on the line. Keep the tip of the pole in line with the fishing line spool.
9 Refer to your fishing reel owners guide for the amount of line that should be installed. Continue reeling the line onto the reel until the suggested amount is installed.

Read More