Useful Fishing Tips For Hikers

Plastic Bait

There’s no getting away from plastics. Where fishing equipment once was fashioned out of wood and other natural materials, molded plastics of every description have found their way into ponds, lakes, and streams. Multicolored, squiggly, wiggly things of every description are being used widely by anglers of every experience level. Some plastic lures are even coated with scented fish attractants-a kind of fishy perfume, if you will-that, combined with all kinds of noise-making bobbles, make for a lure that screams to be eaten!

The most common plastic lure is shaped like a worm, round at the head with a flat tail that causes the lure to swish and sashay as it is reeled in. “Starter” worms are six inches long and are shaded purple. They are designed to have a hook pushed through them in much the same manner as a real worm, but doing this with a plastic worm won’t remind you of the meathook scenes in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

When going this route, you’ll need to use a special hook meant for use with plastic worms; such hooks won’t do live worms. Feed some monofilament fishing line through the hook eye and tie a standard Trilene knot on the hook. (Don’t use a swivel snap when rigging a plastic worm.) Push the hook through the worm to conceal the hook eye and knot in the worm’s head. The hook should also be somewhat concealed in the body of the worm. Since plastic worms used in this configuration are quite light, they won’t cast as far as more heavily weighted lines, and their effectiveness is related to the angler’s willingness to play the worm in the water, gently jerking the lure every so often as a tease to the fish. For a more sincere cast, attach some weight to the line with split shot squeezed on to the line about a foot above the worm. Bring the worm in slowly.

Plastic lures also come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. So, besides standard plastic worms, you might want to try experimenting with plastic reproductions of newts, frogs, minnows, crayfish, eels, and bugs to see what works for you. But at the end of the day, it’s not the jig but the jigger who carries the day by bringing back a fish or two to fry up at the campsite.

Hooking

Like most things that rely on tradition for explanation, fish-hook sizes are classified according to a system seemingly based on the illogical thoughts of a confused drunkard. To the novice, the numbers relating to fish hooks bear no relation their sizes whatsoever. In fact, there is some method to fish-hook madness: Assuming that “1″ represents the average size hook, with hooks getting smaller as they go up in numbers (in multiples of two)-say 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, with a size-2 hook being bigger than a size-10 hook, for instance.

Hooks that are bigger than a size-1 hook are expressed with a number and a zero on each side of a slash (1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 4/0). Notice here that hook sizes are numbered sequentially and can include ascending numbers that aren’t multiples of 2. “Standard” hook sizes used with worms and other bait are usually sized at 2, 4, 6, and 8. Smaller hooks are used to catch smaller fish, and bigger hooks, larger fish. “Treble” hooks (three points) that you see on artificial lures follow the same numbering system.

Catching

Catching a fish is a lot like playing a good game of poker. You can’t change the cards you’re dealt, but you can change the way you play them. Luck is involved, but skill is just as important.

There are days when the fish just aren’t biting. Or times when you’re fishing in one place, but the fish are off somewhere else. But you can really increase your odds of catching a fish if you know what you’re doing.

Some of the best times to fish from shore are early in the morning and at dusk. In the middle of the afternoon, on a hot sunny day, you’ll have a better chance of finding fish in deeper water-it’s where they go to cool off! If you are fishing in a stream, for example, this may be a good time for you to look for them in deeper pools.

The first thing you need to know is what types of fish can be found in the wildlife area you will be exploring. Look through some of the brochures on the region; call or write to the wildlife department in the area (or the local outfitter). Ask about the best time of year to fish, where to find the hot spots in the area, and the best time of day to go. Especially important is to find out when the legal fishing season for a specific species of fish begins and ends, where you can buy your fishing license, and how much it will cost. If you’re fishing in a national park, you can usually buy a national park fishing license that enables you to fish throughout the park for a limited period.

There are fish you won’t be able to catch with your ultralight gear, such as salmon or muskellunge-some weigh as much as a small child. On the other hand, perch, rock bass, trout, smallmouth bass, walleye, and even small pike are fair game. They weigh just a few pounds each, and all are worth their weight in dinner. These fish can all be snared with your ultralight rod and reel and your film container’s-worth of tackle.

Once you know which types of fish are in the area, you can narrow down the tackle you need to bring on your trip. Ask your local sporting-goods store to help you select the right lures for the fish you’ll be trying to catch. Not all fish respond to live bait; some respond to nothing else. Trout are one of the tastiest and most beautiful fish out there, but also the fussiest. They usually respond just to flies, but when they are hungry enough have been known to chase a worm or a light lure. Some fly-fishing purists may cringe at the thought, but I have caught many brown trout from shore using just a hook, a weight, and a small worm. Besides the fish pictured previously, you may encounter bluegill, sunfish, and crappie in many lakes. There are many varieties of bass, so the picture here may not match what you catch.

Tip

You need to get a fishing license before you can start fishing. These licenses can usually be purchased at local bait shops, grocery stores, or national park offices. The license limits the species you can fish for and the seasons you can fish for them. Sometimes there are limits on how many fish of a particular type you’re allowed to take out of the water.

Different types of fish live in different habitats; most have their preferences. Some live in lakes, others prefer rivers and streams. Trout, one of the most desirable fish to catch, can be found in all three. River fishing can be difficult for the beginner. It usually involves wading in the river-and often the water is moving so rapidly that it’s hard to tell whether the fish are biting. Beginners may find lake and stream fishing easier.

When fishing in streams, look for potentially deep pools where the fish may be resting. I’ve found that when fishing in a lake from the shore, it can be a good idea to put your hook near a shady spot-underneath some low-hanging branches or near some big rocks. This can be especially effective on a hot sunny day. Just be careful not to snag your line on a rock or a tree-that’s a great way to lose your tackle!

Al Maher gets his fishing license.

Tarpon Fishing From the Surf

Fishing for Tarpon from the surf is not only possible but very feasible, if you know what you’re doing. Tarpon fishing is usually thought of as something you do out on the flats in about 2 or three feet of water. In the surf that’s not the case. Tarpon can be caught from the surf along the Florida coastline in the deeper water past the first sandbar.

Little is known about their migratory patterns. They have been found as far north as Nova Scotia even though Tarpon prefer warmer tropical and subtropical waters.

Aside from sharks, they are some of the hardest fighting fish you’ll ever catch in the surf. Florida is known for it’s Tarpon fishing and holds 29 of the world records with the current record caught there, using conventional tackle at 248 pounds.

This is not a fish to be taken lightly if you hook one. They can spool 250 yards of line off without even thinking about slowing down.

Their jaws are like concrete and it’s often difficult to get the hook set. They jump when they’re hooked and fight hard. Tarpon will often throw the hook when they break water.

Tarpon have a preference for Ladyfish. If you are aware that Ladyfish are in the surf there’s a chance that Tarpon are nearby. They also like Bluefish and Stripped (Black) Mullet. In the spring and fall they are likely to be feeding on the migrating bait fish while they cruise through.

If your planning to target Tarpon you need a good sturdy surf rod spooled with at least 500 yards of 30# test or preferably 40# test. The rig should be an 8/0 hook on an 80# leader. For bait I recommend a Ladyfish hooked up under the mouth and out through between the eyes.

You need to find a spot off the beach where you can reach 6′ to 8″ of water past the sandbar at high tide. In the surf this is their territory. Out there you’re likely to catch a shark also.

In Florida you are not allowed to keep or kill Tarpon without a Tarpon tag and the limit is two. Florida residents are allowed to fish from land without a license but must have the Tarpon Tag unless they fish “catch and release”. Non residents require a saltwater license.

Fishing for tarpon is a real challenge. If you think your up to it, go for it.

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A select group of fishing lures helps catch early season game fish. Here’s a primer.

Some Features of Suncruiser SS194 Angler

You will be fascinated by the compact four corner Suncruiser Angler at first sight. It is the dream of any fisherman and it gives you all comfort to make your fishing trip unforgettable over the years.

 

Give your creativity free reign when choosing between the four color coordinated color schemes or go wild with the custom designed graphics that are available for this pontoon.

 

This pontoon boasts fishing gear such as four fishing seats, a vertical three rod holder, a spacious built-in tackle box and an aerated live well. You could go fishing all on your own but with all the luxury furniture and plenty of space the family and even Butch the dog could tag along for the ride.

 

While you are busy with making the catch of the day, the ladies can enjoy drinks and a book on the comfortable bow chaise lounge and box seater.

 

Your friends can enjoy peaceful fishing from the bow which is fitted with two fishing pedestals.

Spoil them with the optional lure or drink trays that can be fitted beneath the pedestals.

 

A great feature of the Suncruiser SS194 Angler is the bow storage center which houses the built-in tackle box with divided tackle trays that can be removed, the battery box and a 12V trolling motor wiring harness.

 

The large aerated live well boasts Flow-Rite plumbing that will keep your catch fresh and lively.

 

This Suncruiser SS194 Angler is definitely any angler’s dream that will provide hours of relaxed fishing.

 

For more information on Pontoon Boats and Pontoon enclosures for your new or used boat, be sure to check out Pontoon boats here: http://www.usedpontoonboats.org

 

Interview with CJ a Mississippi fisherman, Coastal Heritage Society of Louisiana Radio, September 21, 2010: www.blogtalkradio.com James ‘Catfish’ Miller at DMR meeting in Biloxi, MS: “They wanted to arrest him for asking a question…” He’s got some issues from some old misdemeanor Gonna bring him to jail, make an example of him Top seafood said “They want you, They’re gonna make an example out of you” Communism… you in it as far as I know. “They wanted to arrest him!” “He was a little shook up.” Jail time, fines, take shrimping license for a year. www.blogtalkradio.com chsl.webs.com
Video Rating: 5 / 5

Off Roading Off the Strip

What do you think of when you hear “Las Vegas”? Slot machines, casinos, showgirls, money, glitz, spectacular shows and some of the best buffets in the States, right? What very few people realize is that southern Nevada has some of the best outdoor activities in the south western United States. Lake Meade National Park not only offers a great tour of the Hoover Dam, but Lake Meade is a hot spot for boating, water skiing, jet skiing, fishing and even some scuba diving. The roads that wind around the lake are frequented by motorcyclists and bicyclists, runners and walkers. If you go far enough into Lake Meade National Park you run into the Valley of Fire, a park named for it’s spectacular fiery red rocks and stunning landscape. On the west end of Las Vegas is Red Rock Canyon, more spectacular landscaping for horseback riding, hiking, camping, rock climbing, biking and motorcycling.

And let’s not forget the trails for the ATV crowd. In Las Vegas there are two major areas where the locals go to ride. The first one is about a half hour outside of Las Vegas at the north end of the strip just past Nellis Air Force Base. There are two ways you can reach the Nellis Dunes. You can either follow Las Vegas Boulevard (aka The Las Vegas Strip) to the north and past the Las Vegas Speedway until you get to the end of it or you can take the I-15 to the Apex exit and turn right. You can’t miss the Dunes on this lonely stretch of road. If you came off the I-15 the Dunes will be immediately on your left, in fact, you will be able to see them from the exit ramp. Every weekend there are trailers and RVs parked up on the Dunes. You can watch kids and adults riding the trails on ATV’s and dirt bikes from the road.

If you follow the Boulevard south as far as it will go, you will find yourself paralleling the I-15 going towards California. This stretch of road will take you to the Jean Dry Lake Beds. The area here is also wide open desert with plenty of space for ATV trail riding and should take only twenty to thirty minutes from the Strip. 
Venturing outside of Las Vegas you can find another ATV hotspot, the El Dorado Dry Lake Valley Area. Take US 95 or the Boulder Highway south towards Searchlight. Seven miles after the Railroad Pass Casino before you reach Searchlight you’ll find the trails. And finally off of US 93 is the Logandale Trails System.

An inexperienced rider or first time visitor to Las Vegas might want to consider hiring a trail guide. Most of these trails are unmarked and difficult to follow if you aren’t familiar with the area. A guide will also be able to help you over the rougher patches of trail. All ATV outfitters in Las Vegas offer training on the ATV to make sure that you understand how to operate the vehicle. Off road vehicles in Nevada are usually don’t require registration, license or titles to drive, but drivers under the age of 15 require adult supervision and everyone needs to wear a helmet. Headlights are also required to be on from dusk to dawn. Another safety precaution is having a brightly colored flag attached to your ATV while riding the trails so that other riders can see you.

Do not ride your ATV on the roads or highways either; trailer your vehicle to the site and stick to the trails. Above all else, do not operate your ATV or any other motorized vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

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MK Nature Center of Boise, Idaho. (MKNC) The Morrison Knudsen Nature Center offers a one-of-a-kind fish and wildlife experience on a 4.6-acre site along the Boise River Greenbelt near downtown Boise. The Nature Center’s stream walk and education building provide a glimpse of Idaho’s many landscapes and abundant wildlife. The underwater viewing windows along the stream walk give visitors a fish-eye view of the world. The waterfall and alpine lake are the headwaters of the Nature Center stream,much like the Stanley Basin lakes are the headwaters of the Salmon River.The Nature Center opened in July of 1990 and represents the cooperative work of private, public, state and federal contributors. Dedicated in 1990 as a Centennial gift to the state of Idaho, the area was conceived and developed by local volunteers working with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Although the Morrison Knudsen Corporation was a major contributor to the construction of the center, completion of the center would not have been possible without the donations and dedication of many other contributors. The Nature Center is now owned and operated by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game with funding from hunting and fishing license dollars, nongame money, grants from the US Fish and Wildlife Service and donations from private individuals and businesses. Thanks to the cooperative efforts of the department and the community, the MK Nature Center welcomes about 200000 visitors and provides tours for about …
Video Rating: 5 / 5

The Legend of Lake Toba

Once upon a time, there was a fisherman lived in a North Sumatra. When he was fishing in a river, a big fish was nailed. This fish had gold color all over its body. It was beautiful. The fisherman was very excited. He imagined a delicious dinner in his head. He put the fish in his basket and went home happily.

When he got home, he put the fish in a sink. He grabbed a knife to kill the fish. But when he almost killed it, he saw the fish eyes and felt pity. He took the knife away and put the fish in washbasin and added water in it. “Don’t worry, I wouldn’t kill you” the fisherman said.

The fisherman went fishing again. But this time he couldn’t get any fish. He went home with nothing in his hand. His stomach started to sing. He walked home slouching. He was surprised when he saw smoke came out from his kitchen.

“Who cooked in my kitchen?” he confused.

He took a peep and surprised when he saw a beautiful girl cooked in his house. “Why there’s a girl in my kitchen?” he confused.

The fisherman entered the room. “Who are you?” he asked the girl.

“I’m the fish.” The girl said.

The fisherman looked the washbasin and saw nothing in it. “The fish?” he asked incredulous.

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“Yes. You didn’t kill me and I’m very thankful. I will return your kindness.” The girl said.

“That’s ok. I didn’t ask any return” the fisherman said.

“But I have to.”The girl insisted.

“Well, I lived alone. I don’t have family. If you want to be my wife, I will be very happy.” The fisherman asked the girl.

The girl smiled and said “I’d love to but you have to promise me that if we have kid you can’t tell him about me.”

And so, the fisherman and the fish girl were married. And then they had a child called Samo. Samo was very naughty. He couldn’t be advisable. He always played and never helped his parents.

One day Samo was asked to deliver lunch to his father. On his way, he met his friends and forgot to deliver his father’s lunch. Samo played with his friends. When he was tired and hungry, he was resting under a tree and ate his father lunch. Meanwhile his father waited him in starve and tired. His father went home and saw Samo played. “Where is my lunch?” he asked.

“Mmm…mm.. I ate it” Samo said afraid.

“Why you ate it?” his father asked.

“Mmm..mm.. I was hungry after playing with my friend” Samo said.

“You were told to deliver my lunch but you didn’t listen.” his father was very furious. “I can’t handle you anymore. You are very naughty. Go away from me. Don’t come home anymore.” His father yelled and evicted Samo from his house.

And this what happened if you can’t control your mouth when you angry. His father said the words that he wouldn’t suppose to say. “You… fish’s son.”

Suddenly, the sky was getting dark. The storm was breaking the ears. The rain felt from the sky like giant hose sprayed water all over the place. And then the water came out from the land and getting harder.

Sumo’s mother was very sad. “I told you don’t tell him about me” she said to her husband. “Now I’m going back to be fish again. Good bye”. The mother was transformed magically to be gold fish again and disappear through the water. The water was getting higher and drown the village and formed a lake.

Meanwhile, sumo run to the hill and stayed there. The hill then was surrounded by the lake.

Now the lake was known as Toba Lake. Toba came from Tuba word means no mercy. And the hill in the middle called Samosir Island. Samosir means ‘Samo di usir’ or in English : Samo have been evicted.

Phil Harris Interview on WGN TV9. He talks about his near death experience this season.
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Fish hate aftershave

Did you know that fish can sense foreign scents and tastes on
your bait and lures?

I was down at the local pier the other morning and I got talking
to an old fisherman. He is in the prime of his life, having
worked hard as a machine operator in a factory, he is now
retired and goes fishing every morning with his faithful little
dog Bosco.

As we were talking he was catching quite a few Garfish, while my
bait stayed in the water without so much as a nibble. That’s
when he asked what I had been doing this morning. I told him
that I had been for my morning walk with my wife and our dog,
had a shower and a shave before I headed down here for some
relaxation time.

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His next question astounded me, “what aftershave did you use?”

“Gillette Ice Cool” I replied

“There’s your problem!” He said, “Your wife might think you
smell good with it on, but the fish don’t”

He continued to tell me that fish can sense foreign scents and
tastes in the water. By baiting my hook after using aftershave,
the scent of the aftershave would be passed onto the bait or
lure and the fish wouldn’t touch it.

Even freshly washed human hands can leave foreign scents on
bait. The best way to remove any scent is to mix up a small
bottle of tuna oil and water, then rinse your hands with a small
amount before baiting your hook, wiping any excess off with a
towel so you don’t get oil all over your equipment. You only
need to use enough to moisten your hands enough for the tuna oil
smell to cover any other scents.

Aftershave isn’t the only thing that will scare fish off. Having
a cigarette, using sun screen and hundreds of other small things
we wouldn’t think about can drive fish away from your bait.

Be smart, catch more fish, keep your hands free from foreign
smells!

More great tips can be found at: http://www.fishinglinks.com.a

Megamix with Gregory Isaac, Horace Andy & more

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