New guide changes what fish we put on the table
But according to a new environmental guide, that common angling scenario demonstrates the very best and worst of our $ 1.49 billion seafood industry. This week, Forest and Bird will release a new Best Fish Guide, a wallet-sized chart ranking 78 of New … Read more on Stuff.co.nz
Sport fishing guide convicted on 8 charges
PALMER ? Sportfishing guide Ray Blodgett was convicted Wednesday in Palmer District Court of eight Class A misdemeanors as a sports fish guide aiding in the commission of a Fish and Game violation by a client. Judge William Estelle presided. Read more on Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman
Criminal cases against Juneau fishing guide come to a close
By EMILY RUSSO MILLER A US District Court judge on Wednesday sentenced a longtime Juneau fishing guide to five years of supervised probation and revoked his fishing and hunting licenses for that time period for violating a federal treaty that prohibits … Read more on Juneau Empire
Hooks are hooks in most anglers’ minds. They figure they either need a big one or a small one, depending on the fish they are pursuing. Lots of anglers go through life completely missing the importance of using not only the right size sea hook, but probably most importantly the right type of sea hook.
It’s not just pure fishing luck that makes the difference in all sea anglers catching more than you. Most of the time it’s the hook choice you make on the day. A thick forged hook is not the right choice for small fish, fish with small mouths or soft lipped fish. A thin Aberdeen wire hook that can penetrate quickly in the inside of the mouth would be a better choice however you would also need a hook that holds its strength and shape.
Hook size is probably the first thing a sea angler should think of when buying hooks. Most are smart enough to know which hook is the right size for the fish they are after but it takes experience. Sizes from most manufacturers range from the very smallest freshwater trout hook at a number 32, to the very largest game fish hook at 19/0.
The size breakdown from smallest to largest looks like this:32, 30, 28, 26, 24, 22, 20, 18, 16, 14, 12, 11, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, 1, 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, 5/0, 6/0, 7/0, 8/0, 9/0, 10/0, 11/0, 12/0, 13/0, 14/0, 15/0, 16/0, 17/0, 18/0, and 19/0.
In sea fishing in the UK, average range is from a Size 1 to a Size 10/0 been a boat hook. For example Mackerel fishing, you should be using a size 1/0 hook, for Pollack from the shore you could use a size 3/0 or 4/0 and also you can use this size for most bottom fishing needs. Flatfish you are better off using a size 1 or 1/0 due to their small mouths. Remember all of these hooks come in a short, regular, or long shank version. The shank of the hook is the part between the eye of the hook and the bend. For example long shanks are very well suited for Sandeel baits, Lug or Rag threaded up the shank for a more natural presentation.
Fish hooks also come in several types. Knowing a few of the more popular ones and their uses can help you be successful:
O’SHAUGHNESSY This hook is named for the specific design of the hook. It’s a standard hook, forged with a very strong bend. This hook is relatively thick, very strong, and not likely to bend out of shape. Generally designed for saltwater, it is good for general bottom fishing use. Sizes range from #3 to as large as 19/0.
ABERDEEN They are generally made from shaped wire. Unlike the O’Shaughnessy, it can and does bend. It can be bent back into shape several times before it becomes too weak. However, once a fish is hook and the barb has completely penetrated, this hook holds very well. These hooks are modified with bends in their shanks for use in jig molds.
CIRCLE Perhaps the best innovation in hooks to come along, circle hooks promote healthy catch and release. The design of the hook itself, when used properly, prevents fish from being hooked in the gut. Many sea anglers have a problem using these hooks because they require no hook set. If you do try to set the hook, it will generally come out of the mouth of the fish. These hooks are designed to move to the corner of the fish’s mouth and set themselves as the fish swims away from you. Anglers feel a bite and simply begin reeling, slowly at first, then faster as the hook gets set.
LIVE BAIT These hooks generally have a shorter shank than other hooks. Whether that is to allow the live bait to swim more freely or to be less apparent to the fish is debatable. My vote is to allow the bait to swim more freely. These hooks come in regular and circle designs. Regular live bait hooks will be swallowed and result in gut hooks most of the time. Circle live bait hooks provide a greater chance for a good release.
BAITHOLDER Baitholder Hooks – These are very widely used by sea anglers. These are good hooks for worm bait they have a ringed eye and have 2 slices or barbs in the shank to assist with holding the bait up the shank of the hook.
KAHLE The curve on these hooks makes them ideal for live bait. Made from the same wire as the Aberdeen hooks, they will bend if hung on the bottom of some structure. However, once a fish is hooked, the design of the hook prevents it from being straightened. Hook Choice!
First, use common sense. As simple as that may sound, I can’t tell you the number of times I have seen people make some really bad hook choices. Match the hook size with the fish! Second, use some trial and error and learn from your mistakes. No one became a good fisherman overnight. All of us had to learn either from someone else or by trial and error. Thirdly, get a good brand of hook, such as Sakuma or Mustad. Try to avoid cheap hooks for the reason that they are just not up for the job, you don’t want to let that fish of a life time get away because of a crap hook bend out on you! If you are going to spend any money on Terminal tackle you hooks should be the number one first choice.
My personal favourites are Sakuma Singers and Mustad Worm hooks for flatfish and Mustad Aberdeen and Ultra Point Bass Hooks for Bottom Fishing for Huss off the rocks where a stronger hook is needed but a larger gape for bigger baits is required.
Finally, to all of you who are new to fishing, try taking these examples and build your learning experiences upon them. Trial and error are often the best teachers in any skill.
For more sea fishing information and to purchase the best tackle online in the UK visit Online Sea Fishing Tackle
Spinner baits are a versatile tool in fishing, and they have a lead head for weight that allows them to be cast a long way. Learn about the skirt on spinner bait for purposes of attraction with help from a fish biologist and fisherman in this free video on spinner bait. Expert: Wayne Gustaveson Contact: www.wayneswords.com Bio: Wayne Gustaveson is a fish biologist by trade and a fisherman by choice. Filmmaker: Mike Phillips Video Rating: 4 / 5
The striper fish is also referred to as the striped bass or the rockfish. It is a very popular species of fish that many anglers search for regularly. Striper fish can put up a pretty good struggle making reeling them in a challenge that is fun and exciting. They are fished for both fun and entertainment and for commercial use. The striper is considered to be one of the most delicious foods available today and it is served in many fine restaurants.
Stripers have a large mouth with jaws that reach backward below the eyes. It has two spines on its gill cover and the first dorsal fin has very sharp spines that you need to try to avoid. Its belly is a silver color and the upper body is a blue to dark olive color. They will also have seven or eight thin stripes that begin at the back of their head and extend all the way to the base of their tail.
Tips for Catching Stripers
Are you searching for tips that can help you catch more stripers each time you go out on a fishing trip? If so, the following tips are simple and should be quite useful. Trolling is a good method to use when you go striper fishing. When trolling you need to try and keep your line and bait about 100 yards behind your boat for the best results. This will prevent the fish from being disturbed and scared away by your engine. It is also recommended that you keep your boat moving at a steady but very slow pace at all times.
Casting is another technique that is used frequently to catch stripers. It is one of the most popular techniques to use because it can be done anywhere by anglers of all ages and skill levels. You can practice the art of casting from a boat, from the shore, from a pier or even into a wave. Cast into the tide when saltwater fishing and keep your bait as close to structures as you can for the best results.
Surf fishing and drift fishing are two more great techniques that many anglers have wonderful results using. These are simple techniques that when done correctly will help you bring home the limit you are allowed each time you go out on the water no matter where you are striper fishing.
There is a variety of different baits that can be used successfully when striper fishing. Some of the most popular baits used are listed below to give you an idea of what other anglers have had great results using.
Stripers eat a wide assortment of different foods that include crabs, flounder, menhaden, smelt, eels, soft clams and squid to name a few. Using bait that resembles their natural food source as much as possible will always get you the best results. Many of the modern lures closely resemble the different foods consumed by fish making it fairly easy to trick them into taking your bait.
Dedicated electronics and map pockets; cable net to hold jacket and gloves
Measures 18 by ten by 14 inches (W x H x D); fits up to five medium utility boxes; 2.75-pound weigh
Ready to Fish Soft Sided Deluxe Tackle box The Ready 2 Fish soft sided tackle bag is loaded with features to keep your fishing tackle o Adjustable compartments, waterproof, pockets for electronics Complete with cable net to hold jacket and gloves.Easily transport your tackle from garage to fishing hole — while keeping it protected, well organized, and easily accessible — with the South Bend Ready 2 Fish Tackle Bag. The waterproof bag offers a variety of adjustable compartments, including a ded
Includes hook remover, fish scraper, foldable stand, LED light, serrated knife, bottle opener, 3-foot tape measure, 18-pound weight scale, scissors
All stainless-steel components resist rust or decay
Compact size (6 -Inches long, 2 -Inches wide) allows for easy carrying and storage
Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
Save space in your tackle box with the most compact fishing tool ever! It’s a bright LED flashlight with fold-out hands-free stand…a hook remover, fish scraper, scissors, serrated knife, bottle opener…and locking retractable metal tape measure plus weight scale with hanging hook (metric/standard). All this and it can tuck into your pocket!
Everglades bass fishing guide John “king of the everglades” Pate catching a bunch of bass including a 5 pound bass on top water. John Pate is fishing with Matt Welch who catches a nice bass on a top water spro frog. John Pate is a professional fisherman with 38 year experience winning tournaments and guiding in the Florida everglades. He specializes in bass fishing trip at Holiday park, sawgrass recreation, alligator alley and deep in the everglades flats. If you are looking to catch BIG BASS… not just a bunch of small one… go to www.southfloridabassguides.com. Video Rating: 5 / 5
2010 highlight video. Fishing for stripers and largemouth bass at the California Delta. Northern California fishing guide Rus Snyders and his clients catch big fish using a variety of different topwater lures. Lunker Punkers and Shell Crackers from Black Dog Baits, Zara Spooks, poppers, hair jigs, and swimbaits. Visit my website at RusSnyders.com to book your next guided fishing trip on the CA Delta or any of the other Nor-Cal lakes that I fish Video Rating: 5 / 5
Spinner baits are a versatile tool in fishing, and they have a lead head for weight that allows them to be cast a long way. Learn about the skirt on spinner bait for purposes of attraction with help from a fish biologist and fisherman in this free video on spinner bait. Expert: Wayne Gustaveson Contact: www.wayneswords.com Bio: Wayne Gustaveson is a fish biologist by trade and a fisherman by choice. Filmmaker: Mike Phillips Video Rating: 4 / 5
Crappie fishing is fun and entertaining but to get the most out of each fishing trip you need a good crappie fishing boat.
You can catch crappie along the banks of lakes and rivers and by wading out into the water but nothing beats the excitement of taking a crappie boat out for a spin. They allow you to get to areas that you normally wouldn’t be able to reach.
By going to where the crappies are located you will have a more productive day each time you go crappie fishing.
There are many different types of crappie fishing boats available that are designed to make fishing easier. However, with so many different designs available, how do you know which one would be the best for you?
The more you know about the different boats and the special features that have to offer the easier it would be to determine which one is for you.
To help you choose your fishing boat below are some reviews of a few of the most sought after crappie boats sold today. This will help you determine which one would be best suited for your needs.
Types of Crappie Fishing Boats
There are many different types of crappie fishing boats ranging from the affordable aluminum boat to the expensive custom made designs. Below you will find four reviews of the top crappie fishing boats that are sold on the market today.
The Duracraft 1650 Crappie fishing boat has a V-hull designed especially for crappie fishing. It is sturdy and the 50-inch bottom weight and 70-inch beam provides the ultimate in stability.
The gunnel height is twenty-two inches high and this fishing boat is designed with a thirteen gallon fuel tank and holds up to four fishermen at a time.
The War Eagle 861 Predator is considered to be an excellent crappie fishing boat. It has a V-hull and a smooth relaxing ride.
It is even designed with extended rod boxes for the holders to accommodate the long crappie fishing rods used by many anglers. It is also designed with re-circulating dual livewells at the rear of the boat and at the bow. Both of which have an eighty-four quart capacity.
In the bow seat is a round shaped baitwell and he boat is designed with plenty of storage space. It is designed to help the fisherman relax by providing comfortable seats, drink holders and more.
The ProCraft 200 Combo fishing boat is an excellent option when it comes to crappie fishing. It is equipped with a 12/24 MotorGuide trolling motor, digital depth finder, livewell and more. This twenty foot fishing boat is designed with an extra-wide nine foot beam.
The Tracker Panfish 16 is also an excellent choice that offers the right equipment needed for crappie fishing while still being affordable. It is designed with an insulated livewell, 36 quart cooler, nine-gallon fuel tank and a built-in baitwell to name a few of its features.
The type of boat you choose will need to be something that you feel comfortable with. The size will be determined by the number of people you expect to be in the boat at any given time.
You need to think about how much money you want to put into the crappie fishing boat, how often it will be used and what features you would personally enjoy the most. Then you will be able to choose the fishing boat that suits your needs the best.
Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best crappie fishing information possible. Get more information on trolling for crappie here: http://www.askcrappiefishing.com/
These 25 unforgettable fishing stories boast fast action, dramatic plot twists, and intriguing characters, from the sinister to the hilarious. Spanning the entire 20th century, they offer a bounty of fishing adventures: the solitary sportsman casting in a fast trout stream; expensive ocean charters seeking grouper; a couple of kids with bamboo poles and high hopes for the big one. The world-class authors include Stephen King, Bob Shacochis, Thomas McGuane, and E. Annie Proulx; timeless storytellers such as Guy de Maupassant and the Brothers Grimm; and early- and mid-century favorites like Stephen Vincent Benét, Philip Wylie, Henry Van Dyke, and others. Sports enthusiasts and story lovers alike will find this collection irresistible.
: expert advice on getting started • which rods, flies, reels, and lines to buy • which equipment to use for your particular prey• and your favorite waters • all the essential fly-fishing skills and techniques with advice on improving your practice • : Every day the waters of Europe and North America play host to thousands of anglers seeking the thrill of the catch, enjoying the outdoors, and reveling in the beauty and tranquility of their surroundings. The Beginner’s Guide to Fly Fishing shows you how to get involved in the world’s biggest participation sport. • Clear and comprehensive charts detail essential information on choosing the most appropriate flies, rods, reels, and lines for your particular prey and favorite waters. See how to choose the right rods, flies, and clothing from the vast range of equipment on the market, as well as what to put in your starter kit. Then learn the best skills and techniques, from basics such as assembling your rod and attaching the fly, to casting, reeling, and letting go. Hints, tips, and advice are provided throughout to help you progress, whatever your level of experience. • : Jim Casada is a son of the Smokies. He grew up in Bryson City, NC, and started hunting and fishing in and around this mountain town. He taught history at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC, before taking early retirement to work as a writer/photographer. He is an honorary life member and winner of the Federation of Fly Fishermen’s Arnold Gingrich Memorial Award (for contributions to the literature of the sport) and a recipient of the Outdoor Writers Association of America’s Ham Brown Memorial Award. He is the winner of More than 125 awards for writing and photography. • Jim is Senior Editor and Book Columnist for Sporting Classics; Editor-at-large for Turkey & Turkey Hunting; Contributing Editor for Sporting
When you become a serious angler you know that the fishing rod you choose can mean the difference between having a great fishing day and having a bad one. If your fishing rod can not live up to its expectations, then it pulls the rest of your equipment down with it. You need to make sure that the crappie fishing rod you choose will not hinder your efforts when fishing for that big one. You need a rod that provides you with the catch of the day instead of the story about the big one that got away. Below are some crappie fishing rod reviews that will help you decide which rods will be best for you.
The B’n'M Ultimate Crappie Rod
The B’n'M Ultimate Crappie Rod is designed especially for catching crappie, walleye or bass because you can cast, flip or jig with it. You can even rig for live baiting action or for jigging. It is a very strong rod that provides excellent tip action. You can buy either the 8ft or 10 ft rod. What most anglers like the best about this particular rod is that even though it is strong enough to haul in the big fish, it is also sensitive enough so you can feel live bait wiggling on the hook. Many anglers agree it is a great buy as you can tell by the five start rating it has received.
The Ozark Crappie Spinning Rod
The Ozark Crappie Spinning Rod is made from a lightweight IM7 graphite structure. It has a cork handle with stainless steel guides. It is a great rod for spin fishing and the distance it will cast is really good. You will find that it is also a very sensitive rod while still being strong enough to haul in large fish. This makes the Ozark Crappie Spinning Rod great for trying to catch even the largest crappie. These rods received a five star rating as well.
Quantum Xtralite XP Crappie Rod
If you are a serious angler that is searching for a rod that can withstand the test of time, you will love the Quantum Xtralite XP crappie Rod. It was designed by Todd Huckabee and can provide you with three techniques for crappie fishing. Therefore, they are great for dipping, rigging and trolling. They are designed with graphite blanks and reel seats. This rod has a natural cork and fantastic ultralight action that you will simple fall in love with.
Ozark Rod Co. Crappie Rear Seat Jigging Rods
If you are in need of a jigging rod this one is a great choice. It is designed with stainless steel guides and a cork handle. The rear reel seat makes it possible to balance the rod so you have more control over it. It can be broken down into two pieces so it is much easier to carry around than the original length rods made for jigging. This one received a five star rating from anglers that have had the opportunity to give it a try.
Ozark Crappie Slow Trolling Rod
If you do a lot of trolling when fishing you will find that the Ozark Crappie Slow Trolling Rod gives a great performance. Since you will find the need to use heavy sinkers from time to time, you need a rod strong enough to support this weight. This rod is designed with fiberglass E-Glass to make it stronger. As you know it can be difficult to know when a crappie is taking the bait so this trolling rod is designed with colored tips to help out in this area. It also can be broken down into two pieces to make it simple to travel with and for easy storage.
