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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Marine Fish Food Preparation Tips

Marine fish that you have in a tank or aquarium are from a saltwater environment, such as the ocean. These fish may be herbivores or carnivores. A herbivore will eat small leafy material or algae, and a carnivore will eat meat, such as other marine fish or animals. To feed marine fish, the food needs to be prepared so the fish can easily consume it. However, you will need to obtain the food that the marine fish will eat.

Instructions

Herbivorous Fish

1 Place a section of lettuce leaf in the freezer for 3 to 4 hours. Take the section of lettuce out and allow it to thaw. This will break down the structure of the lettuce and allow the fish to easily digest it.
2 Attach the lettuce to a clip on the side of the tank or aquarium. This will keep the lettuce submerged in the water so that it does not float around.
3 Secure the lettuce to the bottom of the tank with a rock. Make sure that most of the lettuce sticks out for the fish to eat. Repeat this step to feed the fish twice a day.

Carnivorous Fish

4 Flake off the skin from a freshly thawed fish with a sharp knife. Cut the skin into small pieces.
5 Thaw the freeze-dried shrimp and then cut it into small pieces with the knife.
6 Put a small amount of the fish skin or the freeze-dried shrimp into the tank. Use enough food for the fish in the tank. Repeat this step to feed the fish twice a day.
7 Remove any uneaten food from the tank after 10 minutes. The fish should finish eating the food within a five-minute period.

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A Guides to Tie Line for Spoonbill Fishing

Spoonbill -- otherwise known as paddlefish -- can be caught in U.S. states ranging from northeast Montana to southern Louisiana. The fish are filter-feeders, and don't actively seek out baited hooks or strike at lures. Fishing for spoonbill consists of making casts in areas where the fish normally congregate, and attempting to snag one with a large, treble hook. A spoonbill snagging-rig requires strong knots, but the knots are easy to tie.

Instructions

A Spoonbill Rig

1 Bend the eye of a treble hook with a pair of pliers. Bend the eye far enough to allow the fishing line to pass through the eye of the hook, and continue straight down the shank without curving. Less bend is required for large hooks. Use the largest hook-size allowed by state regulations.
2 Cut a 36-inch length of fishing line. Push one end of the fishing line through the eye of the hook. Pull 15-inches of line through and along the shank of the hook.
3 Tie a snell-knot around the shank of the hook with the 15 inches of line. The tag-end of the line should hang below the bend of the hook.
4 Tie a bell sinker to the tag-end of the line below the hook. Tie the sinker with a clinch knot, adjusting it so the sinker is suspended approximately 4 inches under the hook. The size of the sinker depends on the water depth and speed of the current. Sinkers from 1-to-4 oz. are common.
5 Tie a surgeon's-loop knot at the end of the fishing line above the hook.

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Go Ice Fishing : The Ultimate Convenience!

Ice fishing is popular with sportsmen in the north. It's an excellent way to get away from it all or spend some relaxing, quiet time with a few fishing friends. There are a plethora of lures, baits and fishing tools to choose from. Get the basics and get started with ice fishing.

Instructions

Get Prepared

1 Dress warmly. Wear layers to keep your body temperature warm.
2 Visit local sports shops and fishing equipment stores to find out what is biting, what bait to use and where to go.
3 Get a license to ice fish.
4 Pack your bag. You'll need a fishing line and pole, bait bucket, ice auger, bait, lures, bench, a towel, a depth finder, food and water. You might even consider a waterproof heater.
5 Call for ice conditions before you walk out on the ice. It is not always as thick as it looks. The ice should be at least 4 inches thick and hard frozen. Snow depth on the top doesn't count.

Go Fishing

6 Find an ice shanty near other fisherman. The locals usually know where the fish are biting.
7 Dig a hole using an ice auger. Skim out as much of the ice chips and remnants as you can. Floating ice can break your line.
8 Use a dip net when baiting your line. It will keep your hands out of the water.
9 Weigh your line down so you can fish close to the bottom of the lake. The water in a frozen lake is warmer at the bottom and most types of fish congregate there.
10 Wait quietly and patiently. Fish not biting? Move down a few yards.

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A Humminbird Fish Finder Repairing Tips

Humminbird fish finders locate underwater obstacles, fish, and identify the water bottom surface. The devices use a display screen and a transducer. The transducer attaches to the bottom of the boat and bounces sonar waves under the boat. The transducer receives the waves as they bounce back and transfers the information to the display screen. If you have a Humminbird that is malfunctioning, use Humminbird's troubleshooting tips to repair it and get it back up and running.

Instructions

1 Turn the Humminbird unit on. If the fish finder does not power up, check the cable connections. Inspect the cable for frays or tears. If present, remove the cable by unplugging the cable from the display screen and disconnecting the cable from the power source. Push the cable into the connections to ensure the fits are snug and power the unit on.
2 Check that the fuse for the device is in working order. Check the boat's fuse box and look for any blown fuses. If present, replace. Check that the red and black cables are connected to the red and black battery terminals respectively.
3 Check the display screen for white noise. This is caused by an improperly placed transducer. To fix, locate the transducer on the bottom of the boat. If the transducer is too close to the engine or the propellers noise is created. This is due to the propeller's cavitation creating air bubbles in the water.
4 Remove the transducer, either by unscrewing the mounts or by prying off the unit and breaking the epoxy seal. Move the transducer to a spot near the middle of the boat's hull and glue it or screw it into position. Check the screen for noise as a test to the repair.
5 Inspect the transducer cord for corrosion or wear. If present replace the transducer cable by unplugging it from the transducer and display screen and then plugging the replacement in the units.
6 Wipe down the control buttons on the display screen if they are sticky and unresponsive. Use the chamois cloth and sponge with warm water to clean the buttons. Spray them with the compressed air to free sediment from under the keys.

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Adding Tippet to the Fly-Fishing Line

Now that you have your leader connected to your fly line, it's time to tie your tippet to the end of the leader using the surgeon's knot.

Instructions

1 Take your piece of tippet and lay it next to the end of your leader. Have the two lay side by side, overlapping 4 to 6 inches.
2 Tie an overhand knot in the section where the two pieces are doubled together. To do this, hold the lines together as if they were one line and form a loop.
3 Bring the end of the leader and the entire end of the tippet through the loop at the same time. Don't pull the loop tight; leave it open.
4 Double the overhand knot by bringing the same doubled section through the loop you've made once again.
5 Tighten the surgeon's knot by holding all of the ends and pulling on them firmly and steadily.
6 Trim the tag ends (the loose end of the line, the part used to tie a knot) of the leader and tippet close to the knot, leaving a little room for movement. This will allow the knot to move a little while in use without slipping apart.

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How to Fly Fishing With a Spinning Rod

While it is not the traditional hardware used for fly-fishing, it is still possible to fly fish with a spinning rod. The technique is effective for catching various types of trout, especially when the water current in a river moves too quickly for traditional fly-rod fishing, or when the fish are swimming in deep water. With a few modifications to your spin rod and line, and the correct nymph and bobber tying method, you can fly-fish using a simple spinning rod.

Instructions

1 Select a spinning rod and line that works best for the water in which you plan to fish. A 5- to 6-foot rod works in smaller streams, whereas a 7- to 8-foot rod is better for larger bodies of water, such as larger lakes and rivers. Select a line anywhere within a 1- to 6-pound range, keeping in mind that larger or swifter water and larger fish require a heavier line.
2 Tie an oblong slip float onto your main line, approximately 12 inches above the end of the line.
3 Tie a nymph or any other fly of your choosing at the end of your line. Tie the slip float or bobber approximately 12 inches above the fly. If the slip float or bobber is larger, you may need to tie it as far as 18 inches away from the fly.
4 Cast your rod upstream in a traditional manner, either with a side cast or overhead cast. The way you cast is up to you, depending on where you stand in or near the water and your comfort level. More importantly, watch to see what happens to the rig once it hits the water. If the fly and slip float do not travel downstream at the same speed as the current, then reel in your line and tie the slip float closer to the fly to increase the drag on the line.
5 Reel in any slack in the line as soon as the line hits the water. You can hold the slack in the line with your free hand, which is a technique you would use if you had a fly rod. This helps you feel the bobbing and possible tug of a caught fish. Whenever you feel the line has gone too far from your starting position or too far downstream, reel in the line and cast it again.

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Shocking a Pond to Determine the Quantity of Fish

Electrofishing is a management tool used to analyze the quantity and type of fish in a pond, lake or river. The water is shocked by an electric current which temporarily paralyzes the fish, allowing them to be counted. However, electrofishing should not be performed without at least one experienced personnel and should not be performed in public lakes or rivers without prior confirmation from a local authority. Electrofishing equipment can be hired and professional biologists are also available to help shock your pond if you do not know anyone with relevant electrofishing experience.

Instructions

Preparing for Electrofishing

1 Analyze your pond. You need to be aware of the size, depth and anything that may pose a risk to the electrofishing procedure (metal debris in the pond, etc.). You will need an extra person for every 10 feet of your pond length. You should also familiarize yourself with any laws, legislation or dangers regarding electrofishing before proceeding.
2 Wear clothing that is mostly free from metal, particulary on your shoes, and suitable for water and wet weather. Wear rubber shoes and gloves.
3 Gather your team and ensure you are all fully aware of your roles, any safety risks and the procedure. You must have at least one person experienced with electrofishing and electrofishing equipment. Biologists can be called out from your local authority to help with electrofishing; you can also call out students studying biology or electrofishing courses who will be willing to help with your survey.
4 Step up your equipment. Large ponds will require larger generators, and several electrodes spread apart down the pond by 10 feet. Your generator should be at one end of the pond and at least one member of your team should be located at the opposite end to catch any escaping fish.
5 Give each member of your team a large fishing net and a large bucket of water to place the fish in. Even those using the electrodes should be provided with a fishing net and bucket.

Electroshocking

6 Allow a professional or experienced member of your team to operate the generator. Once the generator is switched on a current--- normally 250 volts --- will be sent through the pond. The fish will shortly begin to rise to the surface.
7 Catch fish in your net once they begin to rise. Place the fish into the large bucket of water once caught in the net.
8 Allow time for fish to travel to the other end of the pond. If you are situated opposite the generator then fish may flee toward the other side of the pond. As the electricity moves throughout the pond, catch any fish coming toward you and place them in your own bucket.
9 Count the fish. A professional or experienced team member will normally oversee and assist in this step.
10 Place the fish back into the water. Once the generator is fully turned off, the fish may be returned and should completely recover.

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How to Catch Crappie

Crappie fishing is a good winter sport for the whole family.

Instructions

1 Check with the game ranger in your area about crappie spawning times. Water temperature triggers it. During spring spawn, the crappie will be in shallow water.
2 Locate underwater shelters such as man-made submerged objects or brush piles.
3 Rig your fishing pole with ultralight gear (a 2- to 4-pound test line and a long ultralight rod.)
4 Bait pole with a jig, live minnow and a stand-up crappie bobber.
5 Fish in 5 feet to 18 feet of water.
6 Create lots of movement to attract crappie.
7 Pull steady when the fish bites.
8 Bring it to shore by reeling steadily.

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Get Fishing License Secrets

Fishing is a fun and exciting sport that many people participate in, but to actually fish legally, you must register and obtain a fishing license. Different states have different guidelines on where and when you can fish, but getting a fishing license is pretty much the same in every state. Once you do have a fishing license, it is good until the end of the year and will provide you with legal fishing opportunities.

Instructions

1 Visit your local city's town hall. Every town or city has a town hall, and even if you are not a resident of a particular city, you can still visit their town hall to obtain a license.
2 Go to the town hall toward the beginning of the year to make sure you get your moneys worth. No matter when you get your license, it will expire on December 31 of that same year.


3 Ask to purchase a fishing license. They are usually $20. Most town halls are not equipped with debit or credit card technology, so keep it simple with a cash payment.
4 Give the clerk your drivers license or state-issued ID so that she can fill out the information on the fishing license. Inform her of any changes such as height, weight or address.
5 Sign the bottom of your fishing license. This license is created on carbon paper, so you will get a copy, and your state will keep a copy for their records.
6 Grab a copy of your states angler guide. This guide will inform you of all the information that you need to know while fishing. It talks about the different kinds of fish, ponds and lakes in the state, as well as fishing limits.
7 Tuck your license into a safe place, and keep a copy of your receipt just in case you lose the license and need to show proof that you purchased one.

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Fishing With Croaker for Bait

A croaker is a smallish 1- to 2-pound fish that swims in freshwater rivers and streams. It is a useful food fish and there are several recipes around for the sportsman's grill or pan. However, one of the most common uses for croaker is as a baitfish. Trout and grouper find it hard to resist and it is easy for anglers to use. Croakers are part of the drumfish family and usually are bottom-dwelling.

Instructions

Prepared Bait

1 Catch or buy your croaker baitfish. While they are not as feisty as traditional game fish, catching your own bait gives you a start-to-finish fishing experience.
2 Prepare your baitfish. Cut the croaker into 1-inch pieces for easy handling and keep refrigerated or chilled on ice until you are ready to use it. If you need to store the fish for longer periods between expeditions, keep it whole and put it in the freezer until you need it.
3 Skewer the meat on a hook that is about 12 inches from the sinker. Use 1- to 2-oz. sinkers to keep your croaker bait in the best position, with enough buoyancy to wiggle and bob like a live fish.
4 Troll, when fishing from a boat, at a speed slower than the current to attract the target fish. When fishing from the bank, cast the line into the water and let it sink. When the line is down, slowly reel it in to attract the trout to the moving bait.

Live Bait

5 Use live croakers for lures. They do the job naturally. Catch or buy your live baitfish and keep them in the live well of your fishing boat, or a bait bucket on land.
6 Pick small, active fish. Small fish are easier to cast without whipping them around and killing or damaging them in the process. Pick live croakers smaller than 3 inches. Active fish are a requirement to attract the trout.
7 Avoid overusing a single fish. Anglers tend to try and get the most for the fish they caught or bought. Once a croaker no longer swims hard and heads directly for the bottom when cast, don't use it anymore. A common rule of thumb is one or two casts.
8 Cast the bait out as far as you can, especially if you are fishing on an active shore area with friends, or in a boat with more than a few lines in the water. Do not troll when using live croaker bait. It does not troll well. Trolling off a boat or reeling from the bank is unnecessary with a live bait doing the swimming action on its own.

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Lubricate Your Fishing Reels

Regularly lubricating a fishing reel improves the performance and life of the equipment. Learn how to perform this maintenance on common spinning and baitcasting fishing reels.

Instructions

1 Flick your finger on the reel spool to determine how freely it spins. The spool on spincasting reels should spin at least eight times with a single flick of your finger. Baitcasting reels should rotate at least 12 times with a finger flick. If either reel is slow, it is time to lubricate the mechanism.
2 Remove the line spool from the fishing reel (some lubricants can weaken monofilament and make it brittle).
3 Disassemble the reel according to the instructions in your owner's manual. If you've lost the instructions, either order a new copy from the manufacturer or carefully take apart the reel and place the parts in sequence as you remove them. Most reels will readily come apart by removing the crank handle and reel cover (by turning counterclockwise).
4 Apply fishing-reel lubricant or a fine-machine oil, placing drops on the ball bearings, gear-drag mechanism, steel spindle for the line spool and the crank assembly. Don't over-lubricate the reel. A controlled burst of WD-40 lubricant will do the trick in an emergency situation (like in the middle of a fishing trip), but using the manufacturer's recommended lubricant produces the best results.
5 Reassemble the reel by reversing the order in which the parts were removed. Reattach the line spool and test the reel for fluid movement.

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How to Fishing Striper With Cut Bait

Stripers, or striped bass, are a popular fresh and saltwater game fish that top the list for many anglers. Originally found in salt and brackish waters along the eastern U.S. coast, anglers can now find stripers in many inland waters including watersheds. One popular method for catching striped bass is to rig with cut bait such as shad. Cut bait is a powerful attractant for stripers and is easy to use for often explosive fishing results.

Instructions

1 Cut a 3-foot length of line from the end of your main fishing line with scissors. You will use this length of line as a leader later on when setting up the rig.
2 Slide a 1- to 2-ounce egg weight onto the end of your main fishing line. Attach a barrel swivel to the end of the main line with a uni knot. Tie the uni knot by feeding several inches of line through the eye of the swivel. Pull the free end of the line alongside the main line for two inches, and then turn the free end back toward the swivel forming a loop beside the doubled line. Wrap the free end of the line around the double line and through the loop three to four times. Moisten the knot and pull down tight.
3 Attach one free end of the 3-foot leader length to the opposite end of the barrel swivel with a uni knot. Moisten the knot, and pull it down tightly against the eye of the swivel. Tie on an 8/0 or larger circle octopus hook with a Palomar knot to the remaining free end of the leader length. Feed six to seven inches of line through the eye of the hook, turn the line and bring it back through the eye. You will now have a loop on one side of the hook and a double line on the other. Form an overhand knot with the loop and double line, pull the loop around the bend of the hook, moisten and pull tight.
4 Place a 3- to 4-inch shad on a sturdy work surface. Hold the fish near the head with one hand, and hold a fillet knife with the other. Position the fish so that you will make the cut below the head of the shad and will be cutting away from you. Fillet, or slice, the side of the shad so that the scent of the fish can disperse easily in the water.
5 Hold the fish, and insert the circle octopus hook into the lower head of the shad, up and out just above the nose. Attempt to hook enough of the cut shad on the hook so that the bend and large portion of the shank are covered.
6 Cast the cut shad bait out behind the boat 20 to 30 feet, and allow the rig to settle into the water. Turn the handle of the reel to engage the spool, and let the bait move with the current in the water as the scent of the cut shad bait disperses. Be patient, and do not constantly reel the bait in and recast. Stripers are active feeders and cover an enormous area searching for food.

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How to Fishing for Oscars

The Oscar fish, Astronotus ocellatus, is a freshwater fish that belongs to the family of Cichlid. The most commonly known fish belonging to this family is the Tilapia. Unlike the Tilapia, which is gray with dark spots, Oscar fish are usually orange with black spots. The Oscar is known to reside in South America, but can also be found in North America, China and Australia. It is an edible fish but is more popular as an aquarium pet. The Oscar fish are aggressive and intelligent. If you are going to put them in an aquarium, it is important to know the proper steps on how to fish for Oscars.

Instructions

1 Find a suitable bait. Worms are ideal. Oscar fish sometimes don't bite when lures are used.
2 Find a fishing spot that is not shallow. This is needed if you intend to put your catch in an aquarium. If you catch them in shallow water, the fish can injure themselves against rocks as they struggle from the hook. If the intention is to eat the fish, this extra precaution is not needed.
3 Lower your bait and wait. Normally you will not need to wait very long because the Oscar fish has a great appetite.
4 Remove the Oscar fish from the water. Raise the fish from the water using your hand or a net for support to prevent further injury. If you just raise them up using your line, they will struggle and could injure themselves greatly.
5 Dip the Oscar fish in your water tank or pale. They should be in the water to prevent them from loosing oxygen while you are doing this process. Make sure you are grasping the fish firmly.
6 Remove the fish hook. Use the needle-nosed pliers to clip the fish hook. Slowly back the hook out from where it came in.

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Fishing With Treble Hooks

Some fishermen believe their chance of hooking and holding a fish, eventually landing or boating it, is increased by using a three-pronged hook, or treble hook, instead of a conventional fishing hook which has only one point and barb. Trebles are commonly used on artificial lures and not so commonly used when fishing with bait. They are also used by fishermen in areas where snagging fish is legal.

Instructions

Bait Fishing

1 Tie a treble hook to the end of your fishing line using a palomar or Trilene knot.
2 Attach a float to the line if you want to keep the bait suspended at a specific depth. The float also serves as a strike indicator.
3 Attach a barrel sinker to the line if you want the bait to be presented to the fish near or on the bottom.
4 Impale the bait onto one or more points of the treble hook.
5 Use a rod and reel to cast the bait to a likely area and wait for a bite.

Trebles on Lures

6 Use a pair of split-ring pliers to pry open a split ring so it can be wound onto the eye of the treble hook.
7 Use a pair of split-ring pliers to pry open the split ring once again so it can also be wound onto the hook attachment ring on an artificial lure.
8 Use a rod and reel to cast the treble-equipped lure to a likely spot, retrieve the lure, making it appear to be alive and hope for a strike.

Snagging

9 Attach the treble hook to a fishing line using a snell knot, but do not trim the tag end of the knot once the snell knot is finished.
10 Attach a barrel sinker to the tag end of the line used to tie the treble hook to the line so the sinker dangles a few inches below the hook.
11 Use a rod and reel to cast the sinker and hook to an area you suspect a fish is holding and retrieve using sweeping jerks of the rod with the hope of snagging a fish.

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Fishing on Lake Georgetown in Texas Can Be Fun For Everyone

Lake Georgetown in Williamson County, 20 miles north of Austin, Texas is a fine fishing lake. It covers almost 1300 acres and is 85 feet deep. This manmade lake, controlled by the Corps of Engineers, is home to large and small mouth bass, catfish, and white and hybrid bass. If you want to find a good catch, read on to learn how to fish on Lake Georgetown in Texas.

Instructions

1 Launch your boat at a public ramp. The ramps are located at Cedar Breaks Park and Jim Hogg Park and are open year-round from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
2 Know the fishing limit and size regulations. The state regulations apply except for a 14- to 18-inch slot limit for largemouth bass. Bass 14 inches and less or 18 inches and greater can be retained. The daily limit for all four species of black bass is five of all types together.
3 Fish for bass. Lake Georgetown contains a high density largemouth bass population. Bass weighing more than 10 lbs. have been recorded. A low-density smallmouth bass population is limited to the lower end of the lake. There is also a good white bass population with runs occurring up the North Fork of the San Gabriel River in the spring. Hybrid striped bass have been stocked annually since 2003.
4 Know the lake. Lake Georgetown has steeply sloping banks covered with limestone rock in sizes ranging from gravel to boulders. The lake is relatively clear, but staining appears as one travels up the reservoir. There is no aquatic plant life because of water level fluctuations. Most fish cover is in the form of rock ledges and boulders. Because the lake is owned by the government, private boat docks and boat houses are not present along the water, so you must truck your boat in from elsewhere to fish there.
5 Fish in the spring and fall. Largemouth bass fisherman have their best success on Lake Georgetown during the spring and fall. During the hot summer months, largemouth bass anglers should fish at night for better success. In the lower section of the reservoir where the water generally remains clear, top water lures, metal flake willowleaf spinnerbaits, and shallow- to medium-depth crankbaits work well along rocky banks. Use casting jigs, soft/hard jerkbaits, and spinnerbaits to wood or rock cover in the mid and upper sections of the reservoir to catch the huge largemouth bass.
6 Fish in February. White bass begin their annual spawning run up the North Fork of the San Gabriel River. Try twister tail jigs, small hair jigs, small crankbaits, and small topwaters for white bass. Live bait fishing with minnows is also good. Catfish anglers can find channel, blue, and flathead catfish throughout the lake. Stinkbaits and cutbaits work well for the blues and channels, while live bait is preferred for large flathead catfish. After you have caught your limit, go back to your camping site and put your catch in pan and enjoy your dinner.

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Understanding Fishing With Gulp Baits

Sometimes fish will not take the live bait you have offered to them on the end of your line. The sport of fishing often times requires a Plan B. A vision of fish floating to the surface after a stick of dynamite is lit and thrown into the water briefly clouds your thoughts. However, since you are fresh out of explosives and would prefer living to fish another day, you reach into your tackle box and resort to Plan C, otherwise known as Berkley Gulp bait.

Instructions

1 Study the species of fish you intend on catching. Educate yourself on fish feeding habits so you know what they typically feed on. Most Berkley Gulp baits are formulated with specialized scents for either freshwater or saltwater fish. If you are fishing for walleye or trout, then purchase Gulp bait formulated for freshwater fish. Read the package containing the Berkley Gulp bait, as it should provide information regarding what species of fish the bait is recommended for.


2 Choose the type of Berkley Gulp bait corresponding to the fish you wish to catch. For example, if it is catfish that you are seeking to catch, then implement the use of Gulp catfish bait that contains scents formulated to attract this fish. There are also specialized Gulp baits for trout, crappie and a variety of other species.
3 Apply a popular fishing technique associated with using the line of Berkley Gulp products. Read the package containing the bait; it will likely recommend special fishing tackle needed to complement the Gulp bait presentation. An effective approach to catching catfish using the Gulp bait may involve placing the bait on a large, multibarbed hook--or treble hook--and attaching a sinker that would enable the bait to reach the floor of the water being fish. This is because catfish are notorious for being lazy "bottom feeders." Conversely, when using Gulp bait for trout fishing, a more sensitive approach should be assumed because they are more active when feeding. Finally, you may consider consulting your local bait shop owner regarding the most successful and up-to-date fishing strategies in the area.

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The Key To Successful Catch Catfish in a Lake

Many lakes throughout the north and southeast United States are chock full of catfish. Catfish are deep-dwelling fish that become more active during the night hours. They typically prefer the colder deep water found throughout the deep parts of lakes, particularly if there are flowing currents or channels. Catfish grow to between 5 and 100 pounds on average and are considered a fine fish for eating.

Instructions

1 Rig your line with at least one sinker between 1/2 and 1 ounce. Keep the sinker approximately 12 inches above the hook. Use a 6/0 barbed hook. If you are fishing in water between 10 to 20 feet, try using a bobber for detecting the subtle strikes catfish make.
2 Go out fishing for catfish on a lake at dusk. Catfish prefer the darker cooler waters. Nighttime brings them out of the underwater logs or rocks. Fish one section of the lake for 15 to 30 minutes. If no strikes occur, move onto another area. When fishing the regions, go in a zigzag motion with the trolling boat.
3 Find a current in the lake and anchor upstream from the the movement. Use catfish smelly baits (found at outdoor fishing stores) and cast upstream to let the scents drift downstream, attracting the catfish.
4 Monitor your fish finder for schools of bait fish such as shad. Where you find large schools of shad, you find groups of catfish. Use chopped shad or large minnows when fishing near the bait fish schools.
5 Monitor the water temperature with the fish finder. As a general rule, the colder the water, the better the chances of catching larger catfish.
6 Fish with smelly baits along the lake banks after strong rains. It is not uncommon for the catfish to come in toward the shores after rains, sometimes in water 5 to 7 feet deep just off the banks.

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