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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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