Friday, December 11, 2009

Hiring a Fishing Guide, to Get the Most Out of Your Fishing Trip

By Todd Inman



Hiring a fishing guide can be a wonderful learning experience or a totally frustrating experience. So from my experiences this is what I recommend. First pick the location, type of fish, and method of fishing you would like to do.

What you do is get online and do a search for guides in the area you will be fishing and put together the 5 that sound the best to you. You can also look up internet phone book listings. Then e-mail each and see who responds the quickest. Choose the first 3 and call those guides, and ask about who will be taking you fishing. Is it the guide that is the namesake of the outfit or a hired guide. Often times hired guides have only fished the area for a short time, if at all. What you want is a guide that knows the area and all the local tricks. Ask them for at least 3 references that are from out of state, (not his neighbor) a good guide will have no problem with the questions or the references. Always listen for demeanor too, you do not want to spend your money and your time with a grump. Unless of course you like grumpy people. I prefer fun energetic guides that not only teach about fishing techniques but offer knowledge about the local area.

The next question to ask the prospective guide would be what you get for your money, and what is required of you. Most Guides will supply all necessary gear, rods lures etc. Some also include lunch, so make sure you ask. I have a very nice collection of rods and I like to use my own equipment, but I always ask if the guide is ok with that. If they are not I will quiz them on their equipment, like rod and reel manufactures, line,etc. If they are not using quality equipment, go elsewhere! And always ask what you should be prepared for in regards to weather, its better to be prepared than miserable. Its better to take a little too many warm clothes, snacks, drinks than to be wet, cold hungry and thirsty. If you have any special needs always let your guide know before you book the trip to ensure they can accommodate your needs. This is your trip and your money after all.

So when you have talked to at least three fishing guide outfits, use your own intuition and who you feel the most comfortable with. I can usually tell who I will hire after the first phone conversation, but I still always check references unless recommended by a friend or another guide in the area.

Call a couple weeks before your scheduled trip to make sure all is still well, and to confirm pick up time and meeting location. If they say they cannot make it but have lined up another guide, demand your deposit back! I have had that happen and got a guide that had no experience at all and it was a $400.00 boat ride in Alaska.

So if you follow my recommendations I can almost guarantee that you will have a good time, meet a new friend or two and have a great fish story to tell.

A trick I learned in Alaska quite a few years ago was to hire a guide the first day I would be fishing an area learn all the tips tricks, baits, what rod to use etc and go back to the tackle store and get the right terminal tackle and go back to the same area and bank fish the next day. It works great caught almost as many fish without the guide but saved a bunch of money. Making hiring the guide very worth while and I always like to hire a guide first when fishing a new body of water, whether it be a river, or lake.

Tight Lines and good fishing.

Todd Inman, Owner of Western Outdoor Supply a e-commerce retail web site that sells the finest in outdoor, hunting, camping, marine electronics and GPS. http://www.westernoutdoorsupply.net

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Sunday, December 6, 2009

Steelhead Fishing Tips

By Trevor Kugler



As the fall of the year swings into high gear, and the winter is quickly approaching, it means that crappy cold weather is on its way, or already here in some cases. And when the crappy weather starts, that can only mean one thing. It's time for steelhead fishing! And with steelhead fishing, comes steelhead fishing tips. For the steelhead angler, steelhead fishing tips are always welcomed, and with any luck, these steelhead tips will help you catch a few more of these bruising beauties?

Steelhead fishing is probably as much of a "lifestyle" as any other type of angling. Anglers who consistently catch steelhead, have secrets and tips that other anglers don't realize, in many cases. Maybe one of these steel head fishing tips will help you out. Some might seem amazingly sophomoric, but what the hey? Many times it the simple things in life that are the most important and steelhead fishing is no different. In any case, here are a few steelhead fishing tips to make you a more successful steelhead angler:

* When In Doubt, SET THE HOOK! - If you feel anything unnatural in your drift, it's a good idea to set the hook. Does this mean that you'll set the hook into a log or bottom from time to time? Of course, but many times it's also a steel head. Steelhead rest on the bottom of rivers and therefore your bait or lure needs to be presented very near the bottom, and this means that snags will occur. Getting snagged is simply part of steelhead fishing, and I'm sure that any veteran Steelhead angler would concur. The bottom line is that if anything unnatural occurs in your drift or retrieve, set the hook!
* Fish At The Proper Times - This can be an incredible advantage to the steel header, and is a great steelhead fishing tip. We want to be on the water when the fish are the most active, whenever possible. This means having some knowledge about the weather and moon and how they both relate to the behavior of fish. There are no two factors that effect steelhead fishing like the weather and moon, so take a few minutes and learn how these two natural occurrences effect the feeding activity of fish (steelhead).
* Get To Know Your River - As a steel head angler, it's very important that you get to know the water conditions of the river you fish intimately. You see, steelhead will only hold (rest) in about 5% of any particular river, and you need to know where these areas are. And these areas change as water conditions change. This is why some study of hydrology and know your particular river well is so important. Get to know your river, and know it well.
* Double Your Pleasure - If you like to use bait or egg sacks for steelhead, a great steelhead fishing tip is to use gang hooks instead of single hooks. Gang hooks arte simply a pair of hooks tied in tandem, that enable you to present double the bait. A set of pre-tied #6 gang hooks, is perfect for steelhead fishing. Don't you think that two egg sacks or shrimp drifting by, would be more enticing to a steelhead than just one? I'll tell you from experience, it is. When using bait such as egg sacks or shrimp, always use gang hooks.


These simple steelhead fishing tips will help you catch more steelhead. How am I so sure of this? Because they all wok for me, and I know they will work for anyone. Now bundle up, put on your rain gear, and get out there and catch some steelhead. And never forget what Steven Wright said of all of us anglers; "There's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore, looking like an idiot". I don't think any truer words have ever been spoken.

Trevor Kugler is co-founder of JRWfishing.com and an avid angler. He has more than 20 years experience fishing for all types of fish, and 15 years of business and internet experience. He currently raises his three year old daughter in the heart of trout fishing country…..Montana!

Get Fishing Tips & Techniques Twice A Month For FREE - http://www.jrwfishing.com/signup.html

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Late Season Trout Fishing

By Trevor Kugler



As the trout fishing season begins to wind down, I figured it was time to write an article about late season trout fishing. Many anglers may not realize it, but late season trout fishing can be as good as it gets. In the west it seems as if trout feed heavily before the cold temperatures of winter set in. I've caught more trophy trout in the late season, that is to say fall, than at any other time of the year. Late season trout fishing has always been my most productive time of the year.

So, as other outdoors people turn their attention towards chasing animals around in the woods, I suggest you not forget about your favorite trout water, and give late season trout fishing a shot. The results can be incredible. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll be even more successful.

* What Pound Test Is Your Line? - A secret to late season trout fishing is to use fishing line that's as light as you can. Trout have very keen eyesight and can detect your fishing line in the water. That's why using line heavier than six pound test is a huge mistake. My mentor always used four pound test, and that's what I've always used for trout fishing. Six pound is tolerable, but four pound test is ideal. The lighter the line you use, the more bites you'll get, it's as simple as that.
* Do You Worry About Your Hands? - Trout have a very sensitive sense of smell, and if they detect unnatural odors, they are much less apt to bite. Odors such as gasoline, cigarettes, or even cologne will transfer to whatever bait you're using, and result in less bites. A good practice is to rub your hands in a handful of grass or dirt before baiting up. This will eliminate any unnatural odors that may be on your hands. Always pay attention to your hands whenever you're trout fishing.
* Do You Think About Your Hooks? - For those of you who don't realize it, gang hooks are the best way to present live bait while fishing. Especially while trout fishing in a river or stream with live worms. Rig a worm on a set of pre-tied gang hooks, and then allow this rig to bounce off of the bottom as it flows naturally with the current, and you've got a deadly combination. My mentor used gang hooks for all of his trout fishing, and it was probably his greatest trout fishing secret. Gang hooks allow you to present live bait, and especially live worms in a totally natural manner. Don't you think a worm that appears 'natural' will out fish a worm that's been threaded onto a single hook? I can assure you that it dies.
* What About The Weather & Moon? - A secret that my fishing mentor lived by was using the weather & moon to your advantage when trout fishing. A secret to trout fishing, especially late in the season, is understanding how these two things relate to your fishing success. These two factors have as big an impact on your trout fishing as anything. There is simply no substitute for being on the water when the trout are the most active.

Keep these tips in mind on your late season trout fishing trip and you'll be that much more successful. Not only that, but late season trout fishing also offers some of the best scenery that its possible to experience. The changing leaves, cool weather, and un-crowded water make late season trout fishing something that every angler should experience.

Trevor Kugler is co-founder of JRWfishing.com and an avid angler. He has more than 20 years experience fishing for all types of fish, and 15 years of business and internet experience. He currently raises his three year old daughter in the heart of trout fishing country.....Montana!

Affordable Retractors for any trout fisherman: http://www.jrwfishing.com/JRWRetractors.htm

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The Basics of Fly Fishing


By Richard Blackmon



Fly fishing is considered a sport or a hobby by some, and an art form by others. For others, fly fishing is almost a religion. Their favorite fishing holes are kept secret.

Call it anything you like, it is a pleasurable pastime based in beautiful surroundings, and built on the camaraderie of the anglers themselves, the oceans, lakes and rivers they fish, and the beautiful fish they pursue.

Some anglers are able to fish only as weekend warriors. They are happy to run into a fish or two on a holiday fishing trip with friends or kids (As long as the kids know enough to keep quiet. Others are die-hard trout bums, who dedicate most of their days to tying flies and dissecting the hatches and underwater traits of their favorite fishing sites.

For those who consider themselves avid fly fishers, the sport is a refreshing escape from the daily rigors of everyday life. A meditative and even spiritual passion those who do not fish have a hard time understanding. It can be a great stress reliever. In the times of stress, the sport is so relaxing they don't care whether they catch anything or not. There is a difference between fishing and catching.

But for those who understand, there is nothing better than the push and pull of a fly line, and the sight of a fish rising to take that fly you just placed so perfectly.

Species

The trout is the target of most, although the anglers may fly fish for everything from large mouth bass to big-game saltwater species like marlin, tarpon and even sharks. If it will take the fly, they are willing to cast it.

There are thousands of species of saltwater and freshwater fish, and the International Game Fish Association monitors the size and weight of the catch, keeping records.

American fly fishermen spend most of their time pursuing trout, particularly the rainbow trout species . The other types of trout other types of trout include the golden trout and the steelhead trout, brown trout, brook trout and lake trout.

Gear

Fly fishing gear is always changing, and with the fly rod, reel and line remaining a staple in fly fishing.

Fly anglers also are notorious for the dozens of different knots they use, many of which correlate with the type of fly line, leader and tippet

Fly fishing also can be an expensive hobby, with typical fly rods and reels typically costing more than $100 apiece. Anglers, however, can usually find a bargain if they know where to look and the internet and search engines have made them easier to find.

Places

Fishermen will tell you there is no wrong time or place to use a fly rod, as long as fishermen are following the current national and state rules and regulations.

You can fish everywhere from the open ocean to mountain creeks or lakes. In fact, many fly fishermen practice their craft at home, honing their casting skills on the front lawn or at the local park. Ted Williams, the Hall of Fame baseball player was a world class fly fisherman. He would practice his casting using a bucket in his yard.

Fly fishing has caught on everywhere, whether it is fishing on a road trip through and in U.S. National Parks such as Yosemite. They will go after after peacock bass in the Amazon River, or hunting for carp in Europe.

Fly fishing is extremely popular in the Western U.S., thanks in part to the warm weather, river conservation and accessibility and a strong outdoors heritage, and the numerous mountains and streams therein.

Fly Fishing Techniques

Fly fishing techniques can change from season to season, fishery to fisher, and even hour to hour depending on the hatch and when different insects are present on and in the water.

In general, river trout, the most popular game fish of fly fishers, feed in four different zones of the water, but can be found on or near the bottom about 75 percent of the time.

That makes nymph fishing (below the surface) with bottom-dwelling insects a popular approach. But when temperatures rise, some insects make their way to the surface making this a good time for dry patterns.

Preparation

Fly fishing techniques vary, and every angler has their own style or method of fishing, so the best advice for novice fly fishermen is to be patient when trying to hone their skills.

Practice makes perfect, especially when working your casting technique.

Tying flies and caring for your rod, reel and lines during your downtime and during the time of the year when fishing is not possible, will also help make your next fishing trip a successful one.

My name is Rick and I am a computer geek. I have worked on and around computers for over 40 years. I have been involved in retail sales and am currently involved in internet marketing. At the current time I am involved in promoting my new website for my 10 year old grandson, Rowdy. It is http://fishingrodandreelstore.com/blog Rowdy is my 10 year old grandson and is a nut about fishing. He would go anytime, anywhere. He has already learned to stretch the size of fish he catches.

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Salmon Fishing Rods - Choosing The Right One

By Duff Gillmore

Setting up for a fishing adventure doesn't mean focusing only on where you sink your line or how pretty the weather is although those things are equally important. Salmon fishing gear is important, of course, and you will want to make sure that you take all gear into consideration. Equipment such as salmon fishing rods, salmon fishing reels , the type of line and leader that you are going to use will be most important while terminal tackle such as hooks, baits and lures, will be secondary.

Because of the variety in species of salmon as well as their many habitats, there are an infinite number of combinations that can be made to produce your ideal salmon fishing setup.

While salmon fishing tackle is available at many different rod and gun shops, not just those on the ocean but also those inland, it's more convenient to learn about these things before you go ahead and purchase items. Lets take a look at some of the tackle you will need for a successful day out there.

Common tackle

Rods, reels, weight's, swivel's and salmon fishing line and leader are going to be your basic tackled needs on any salmon fishing excursion, whether on the ocean or in freshwater, casting or trolling. In all cases, your line is going to have to be of a good braid variety or "test" expensive braiding brands are often referred to as super lines. These lines are good for casting, but when it comes to actually landing the fish, results can vary from company to company. For trolling in clear water, many anglers choose clear monofilament or fluorocarbon line. The unfortunate thing about salmon fishing is that if one of these big fish manages to snap your line, you are out some pocket money, not only for the line itself but also for any lure and attractant tackle that you happen to be using (and your bobber if you are bob or float fishing!). All that and nothing to show! Make sure your line is endorsed by fellow anglers before trying it out on the water.

Common Saltwater Tackle and Gear

Different types of salmon fishing are going to call for different gear. Any ocean salmon fishing is going to mean that the salt water takes its toll on your equipment, and we're not just talking your basic gear; if you fish in a boat, you are going to have to have your motor checked constantly- some estimates put the turnover rate for an inboard motor on the ocean at seven years. This can really add up, but there are tricks, like using fresh water coolant, that can help add life to your motor.

Ocean fishing for salmon, whether from a boat (mooching, trolling, or drift fishing) or from the shore requires some very specific salmon fishing tackle. You need hooks and weights that get the line down to the level that you want, but that also don't pick up a lot of kelp on the way in. Bottom bouncers and lures work great for casting from a wharf or from the shore, and packed roe is one of the most successful baits. Remember that baits and lures for salmon are always based on smaller fish; bugs won't get you a lot of bragging rights at the end of the day when it comes to salmon, unless you're talking crawfish which are commonly reffered to by anglers as bugs.

As far as tackle and gear composition goes, it's a must to pay close attention to detail. Fishing rods and fishing reels should be made of a material that does not corrode, such as aluminum (common in high end reels), stainless steel, graphite (this is the most popular material in ocean fishing rods), plastic, or good old wood. Don't use equipment that is made of mixed metals; different metals will react in different ways to the salt content, and you could end up with a reel or rod that is 25% corroded; it will look fine for the most part but it won't work.

Salmon fishing tackle considerations such as lures and bait will depend on the type of fishing you are engaging in. Fishing for salmon on the ocean will mean a lot of trolling. You will want a setup of rod, reel, and line appropriate for trolling, preferably one that can shake or flip piles of seaweed off so that the weight of the fish on the other end isn't compounded by the weight of debris. The bait on the line is usually going to be a fish simulating device, perhaps with a few spoons to catch the eye of the salmon. Plugs are also common on the ocean when salmon fishing. It's important to check regulations for the area you are fishing so that you don't use a hook/lure combination that is illegal (years ago quadruple hooks were common, but regulation has meant that double hooks are now the norm in fish-like lures).

Freshwater Salmon Gear

Freshwater salmon fishing will usually mean the use of floats and live bait such as roe or prawns. This might sound like a tame way to fish, but it can be quite a rush to see that float sink in the river and realize that it might not just be a rock, but a massive Spring salmon on the end. Check the rod quick, because you will want to hook the fish before he realizes what is going on. This is done by a quick firm jig or set towards you. Slowly let your tip back towards the river with the current keeping some tension on the line, and if it keeps going down, give it another real good jig and yell fish on if you've got something

Casting, in freshwater can be one of the most rewarding salmon fishing experiences, especially when the costs are weighed against those incurred fishing from a boat. The tricky part can be in determining the right kind of flies or lure's; in fact, the only type of salmon that is really going to bite on a fly are Steelhead or Coho. The flies you are going to be successful on for steelhead will depend on whether the fish are winter or summer run, and of course the kind of bugs that are around the river or stream you are casting on. The real challenge in casting for steelies is just getting the fish to bite on any flies at all. If you decide to use a lure or blade, this is a very productive way to fish for a wider range of salmon and can be used in both saltwater and freshwater.

Bottom bouncing is also a casting method used in a river system and involves lots of casting. In these methods, live bait, synthetic worms and wool are the weapon of choice by most anglers. When targeting Coho or steelhead a smaller rig is used as these fish can be easily spooked off of a huge and intimidating set-up. A couple of split-shots (or small amount of lead) and a nice compact presentation that is stealthy will work well for you for these two species. If your out for the Spring or Sockeye in a large river system like B.C.'s Fraser, or the Columbia, you're more likely to use a larger bouncing betty and some wool while you "floss" the mouth of the King salmon, as these fish moving up the river to spawn are going to be attacking your line rather than biting it because they want to feed. Flossing is a productive way to fish that brings a good table fare, but uses much less skill than other methods and some anglers disapprove of this method.

Tip; on buying bottom bouncing weights:

Excalibur is a leading manufacturer of bouncing betty type weights that are in the midst of lead weight replacement, which is harmful to the environment. These environmentally safer weights use Tungsten nickel alloys and are 25% smaller, denser and more rigid, which means longer life, less likely to damage lines and more effective in river systems as they transmit a better bounce to the line! VERY COOL!

Specific Tackle

Choosing A Salmon Rod

As far as rods go, seven feet long rods for trolling seem to be the most recommended. The base of the rod should be able to handle a lot of weight; if you are fishing the Pacific waters in particular, you need a rod that can handle the possibility of a 50lb Tyee on the other end. Lightweight and flexible material is essential for ensuring a successful battle.

Salmon Reels

Reels for salmon fishing are usually spinning or baitcasting reels. They need to have smooth drag systems and should keep the actual act of reeling thoughtless. The tension between fish and reel should be smooth and not a jarring tension that can cause the line to snap. Since you will want to concentrate on the fish on the other end and not the actual reeling process, drag becomes very important when deciding which reel is best for you.

Salmon Fishing Line

There are different schools of thought when it comes to the right type of fishing line to use as far as your salmon fishing tackle is concerned, but in most cases the more expensive line is the best option because as my dad always said "you get what you pay for."

Now, it doesn't have to be the MOST expensive fishing line on the market, but higher priced lines tend to be best for clear water fishing; the less visible line will not spook a fish off of your bait. More expensive lines are also more resistant to breaking, kinking, and tangling. More times than none you are going to be paying for a new technology as the older technologies move by the wayside.

Just remember that good salmon fishing tackle is essential when it comes to having a good fishing trip. Something as simple as the proper Salmon fishing line and leader will make all the difference and If everything goes right, you will be able to break out those salmon recipes on your return home!

Information to help guide you to purchasing the proper salmon rod. Read our buyers guides for all kinds of tackle and salmon rods at Go Salmon Fishing.com

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Sure Fire Bank Fishing Technique for Steelhead By Robert R Smith


OK so I have been talking a lot about fly fishing lately so I thought I would change subjects and talk about some of the techniques that I use when I am bank fishing.

I know a lot of hard core Fly Fisherman will have a fit to hear that I do still use a spinning real for catching fish but I just love fishing of any kind.

Taking many of my less experienced friends and some for first time Steelhead fishing I have found a way to get them hooked into a fish without much coaching. This technique is simple to learn and if done properly losing gear is at a minimum. This is great for the first timers or the less experience because it lets them spend more time fishing and less time tying up rigging's. This system is also very productive if done properly and I have caught quite a few steelhead using this method myself.

Using a slip bobber or float is one of the easiest ways to take steelhead that I have found for the bank fisherman this method is also used by boaters since it is so productive. With the slip bobber you are able to adjust the depth of your jig or bait so that it drifts just off the bottom of the river. I have seen this method used by fishermen fishing off of a jetty or pier and they too had very good success while using this method.

One of the best place to use this method is in a slow flowing section of the river the depth of the hole is not important since you are able to adjust the depth of the jig easily. As long as the current is slow enough to allow the jig or bait to drift naturally and the depth remains constant at least through a portion of the hole it should be a good place to try this method.

Knowing where the steelhead like to lay is the key to this system as with any fishing technique, and the easiest way to find this out is to watch where others are fishing if any are around. Once you learn how to read a river you will be able to use this technique in a number of spots, learning how to read a river will come with time. If you are new to the sport most fisherman will be glad to give you some pointers just be courteous when joining your fellow fishermen on the river.

When you find that place where you are going to fish the technique is simple cast upstream from where you are standing watch the corky once your line hits the water. Make sure the corky is on top of your float if it's not you may have to give your line a sharp short jerk to get your jig to flow freely through your float. Let your float drift naturally through the hole and keep up the slack in your line. Most of the time when a fish hits your jig your float will go under, however watch your float closely and if it should make any unnatural movement set the hook.

Items Required:

Slip bobber

Barrel swivel

Jig

Egg Sinker

Corky

Bobber Stop

Setting up your line:

1st slip on the bobber stop then bead and run it up the line about 5 feet or so

2nd Thread on the corky

3rd Thread on your float

4th Thread on the Egg Sinker

5th Now tie one end of your swivel to the end of your line. (I like to use the double cinch knot)

6th Take your jig and tie it to your leader which should be between 12 to 18 inches long.
The leader should be lighter then you're main line.

7th Tie the jig and leader to your swivel.

Once you have this tied up set the depth you want your lure or bait at and you are ready to start fishing

http://www.steelhead-gear.com for all your fishing needs

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Winter Trout Fishing By Davidson Manning Platinum Quality Author

Many trout fisherman choose to hang up their rods for the winter. That is a shame, because some of the best fishing of the year often occurs in the cool months. You will have to adapt to the conditions however, and that means some of your summertime methods will not work very well.

The first thing to remember during in the wintertime is to fish slow. The fish do not need to eat a lot of food when the water is cold, so your lure, bait, or fly needs to appear to be easy to catch. Fast moving spinners, spoons, and streamers are not a good bet now. Generally, spin fisherman will do well with jigs, worms, and other live baits, and fly fisherman will do best with nymphs and wet flies fished deep, near the bottom.

Also, you need to look for different kinds of water. Fish generally vacate fast moving riffles and runs, and spend their days in deep, slow pools. This allows the fish to hold their positions without using too much energy. For this reason, you should focus on slow water, and move past water that has a high gradient. Also, winter fishing tends to be best on rivers and streams where water temperatures are relatively stable. The best waters are spring creeks, and tailwaters. The water temperatures in these areas generally stay comfortable even in the coldest weather, and you will catch more fish.

It is important to fish during the warmest part of the day. Although during the summer you probably spent most of your time fishing in the early mornings and late evenings, you should do the exact opposite now. Generally, the best fishing occurs from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. This is especially important on free-flowing rivers that get very cold in the winter, but it applies on any trout water during the winter.

Another important factor is to imitate what the fish are eating this time of year. Most of the fish will be feeding on nymphs or crustaceans near the bottom of the river. This means that dry fly fisherman tend to struggle. Beadhead nymphs fished deep are often the ticket. Also, this is spawning season on many trout waters, so flies imitating eggs often are best. Although worms and nightcrawlers do not occur naturally this time of year, you can still use them as bait with great success. Salmon eggs are also a top bait.

Although winter is not one of the most popular times to fish for trout, it may be one of the best. Just keep these tips in mind, and you should be able to catch fish even in the toughest conditions. So do not put away your rod this winter. We have covered some basic tips; now go to fishing places for some destination ideas.

Davdison Manning is an avid outdoorsman spending over 100 days per year pursuing his passion for fishing, many of them in the Ozarks of Missouri and Arkansas. He details many of his favorite spots on his website Family-Outdoors. His other pursuits include many days spent in the field camping and hunting. Davidson loves to share his knowledge of the outdoors in the hope of helping others to find their own connection to the outdoors.

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So You Want to Become a Fly Fisherman - What Kind of Fly Fishing Equipment Should You Buy? By Will Stone

Your choice of fly fishing tackle can make or break your fly fishing experience. Buying the right equipment for the type of fishing is as important as knowing where the hot spots are when you go fishing.

When buying fishing equipment, many people head to the local store, look around and pick what appeals to their mindset as to what would be required to have a positive fishing experience. That is not unlike walking into an automobile dealership and picking out a car based upon it's color.

Spending time doing some research, getting the thoughts of professionals and avid anglers as well as taking into account some general rules of thumb and you could end up with the perfect combination of equipment for fishing.

Choosing the proper fishing gear should be based upon several factors:

1) What kind of fish are you looking to land? A larger fish is going to require a different kind of rod, reel and lure than if you were catching a smaller fish.

2) Where are you fishing? Saltwater requires different equipment than freshwater fishing. Large streams and ponds give you more options than if you were to choose to fish in a small creek.

3) Fishing from land or a boat? If you are fishing from a boat, you need to consider different fly fishing lures and rods than if you are fishing from land. Fly fishing from a canoe is a whole 'nuther story.

4) How tall are you? Just like you would not buy a size 48 long if you were five feet four inches tall, you would not but an extremely long rod either. In fly fishing, size matters.

When you purchase fly fishing equipment it makes all the sense in the world to speak with an experienced angler due to all the variables involved in order to get the proper tackle for the type of fishing that appeals to you. With all the variables out there in fishing equipment, the best choice for you can be put together by a professional by just sitting and talking over a nice cup of coffee.

Your local professional will be able to get a good feel for what will work best for you whether you plan on hitting the fish hard or just being a casual angler by asking you some of the above questions as well as other questions based upon your geographic situation.

Fly Fishing can be one of the most enjoyable experiences for the avid angler and having the correct tackle to get the job done is important. When purchasing Fly Fishing Combos be sure to take advantage of the knowledge of your local professional.

That professional knowledge could be the difference a bucketful of fish or just one. The correct flies, reel and fly fishing rods are as important as to finding the right fishing spot.

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Fly Fishing Tips and Techniques That Should Be Second Nature By Billy Daly

I fish because I love it. Fly fishing has always been, and always will be, a passion of mine.

I am writing this article as a lot of people have approached me who have tried fly fishing a few times, never had much luck, then thrown in the towel, as they have found the sport to be to difficult to master. The truth is that fly fishing is not the easiest way to fish, but when you do become good at this sport, it is very enjoyable and rewarding. This article is mainly directed at the beginners who want to master the sport.

Here I will give you some very important tips on getting started with fly fishing.

#1 The first thing I would do is to treat yourself to a good fishing book. Make sure that the book has a good review, is based on the beginner fly fishermen and has all the information on techniques and equipment.

#2 It is crucial to select the right type of rod to begin with. Without the right rod you are not going to be very successful, it could also end up to be very frustrating. There are many different types of fly fishing rods so be sure to select one that is right for you. A rod that I would recommend for a beginner would be generally to go with a hollow glass fly rod, as you will find this a great rod to get started with. The hollow glass rod is easier to use than say a bamboo rod. Even if you do not treat it with that much respect as you should, or will once you improve, the hollow glass rod will still hold up better than a bamboo rod. So this type of rod I would say is without a doubt, one of the better rods to go for as a beginner. Once you have improved your skills, if you prefer, then maybe look into getting a bamboo rod.

#3 Having the right type of fishing line is also very important. If you are not using the right line then your doomed to fail from the beginning. As you know, the rod is a must for casting, but the line is the most crucial part for the way you cast. A lot of people use a line that is to light. It is very important to use a line that is heavy enough so you can smoothly and effectively cast out your line.

A line that I would recommend to use with a hollow glass rod would be a double taper HCH line, GBF 3-diameter line, or a C level line.

#4 The last fly fishing tip is to make sure you have the right type of casting technique. This is of great importance to your success. If you want to come home with a big smile and lots of story's to tell, then practice on making sure you have the correct casting technique when your out there fishing. Whilst having the correct rod and line is crucial, you also are going to have to work on technique. The rod and line will not do all the work for you. Remember that you want to cast out straight. You do not want to jerk the line once you're casting. You need to concentrate on being really smooth. You are able to do this by keeping your body loosened whilst you do the casting. Whenever you are tense, you will ruin the cast. Naturally, it will take some practice to get it correct, but the more you practice your casting technique, the better you are going to get. A good way to practise is to be outside somewhere on a flat service, maybe a play ground, or on a drive, then lay out some targets to aim for. This will give you a lot more experience and a better feel for the rod for when your ready to put your skills to practice.

There are many good fishing books on the market today, so if you can get your hands on a good fishing book then I would most definitely recommend you do so. I've been a fishermen for many years now and have gained a great deal of knowledge by reading good fishing books. I've put together some fishing books that I have read and reviewed, along with my fishing partners in my website for you to browse. Please feel free.

Thankyou for taking the time to read my article. I hope this was of interest to you. To find out more please take a visit to my website. Look forward to seeing you. If you have any questions, or if you think there might be a way of inproving my website, then please do let me know, all comments, good or bad, are more than welcome to help me try and provide a better service. Again, many thanks.

Please do click on my website below.

http://www.fishingbook.org

Billy

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