Greys fishing tackle

Enjoy Fishing with Greys Fishing Equipment




Greys fly fishing equipment first came out of the market in 1968 and it was immediately well received by fly fishers in Europe. Although it was only in recent years that the product became officially available in North America, it has been considered by many fly fishing enthusiasts worldwide for decades. The company went through rapid transformation after it was acquired by Hardy in 1999 which led to its worldwide expansion.



Greys Fly Rods



Greys manufacture four types of fly rods: single-handed, double-handed, spinning and bait rods. The single-handed and double-handed types of rods are almost the same except that the double-handed types are longer and sturdier which is perfect for heavier loads. The beauty of the single-handed and double handed fly rods from Greys is that they came with the same number of sections. Even though double-handed fly rods are longer it still has the same section compared to its single-handed fly rod counterparty. The spinning rod from Greys is known for their durability and flexibility. A good example is the Mission 6 Spinning Fly Reel which is made up of six sections. This is perfect for traveling but even though it comes with six different parts, it's still durable and effective for long range casting. Greys bait rods are unique spinning rods as it uses hybrid cork and features low diameter blacks which improves handling.



Greys Fly Reels



Greys have created a character in their fly reels. From the beginner's G-Series Fly Reel to powerful G-Tec Reel, fly fishers will immediately notice Greys dedication to quality without getting your rod heavier than it should. The fly reels were made with different alloys - each optimized to work in a specific environment without pushing the weight limit. When it comes to durability, Greys ensured sturdiness in any setting through strategic placing of vents to prevent tangling and line breakage.



Greys Carp Rods



Greys have also developed a special line of carp rods and they are some of the best in the industry because of its quality and performance. First is the marker rod which comes with specific purpose of introducing the carp fisher to the area. This is complemented by the spod rod which offers additional coverage. There entry level version is highly recommended but spod rods with additional capabilities are also offered. Finally, the carp rods that comes in four versions: Torsion, X-Flite Plus, Prodigy Plus and Prodigy Six. Torsion is the lightest of the rods, X-Flite is for long distance casting while the Prodigy series is an entry level and lightweight carp rods.



For a great variety of Greys fishing tackle visit http://www.fishing-rods-and-reels.co.uk/greys.html Or for more fishing tackle visit http://www.fishing-rods-and-reels.co.uk



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Trout Fishing In The Fall - 2 Highly Effective Fall Trout Fishing Techniques

I have been trout fishing for more than two decades and in that time I have always found the fall of the year to be the most productive season for catching trout, especially when you are talking about river fishing scenarios. The fall has always been my most productive trout fishing time not only for numbers of trout, but for trophy trout (trout over twenty inches) as well. Fishing for trout in the fall also offers some of the best weather and scenery that can be had when fishing for these beautiful fish.




The following fishing techniques are 2 of the most highly effective techniques that can be used when trout fishing in the fall of the year. One is for river fishing and the other is for fishing for trout in lakes or large pools, so your bases will be covered no matter what type of water you are fishing for trout in. The bottom line is that these to fishing techniques should be added to your fall trout fishing arsenal sooner rather than later.





The Casting Bubble Technique - The casting bubble technique obviously involves the use of a 'casting bubble' (sometimes called a fly fishing bubble) to fish an artificial fly. Anyone who fishes for trout knows how effective artificial flies can be as bait and with the casting bubble technique anyone can fish with an artificial fly. In other words, with the casting bubble technique being a "fly fisherman" isn't necessary. The technique itself involves using a casting bubble, a tapered leader, and an artificial fly of your choice. The casting bubble (or fly fishing bubble) adds weight to your line giving you the ability to cast and fish an artificial fly effectively with normal spin fishing gear. This trout fishing technique is most effective in lakes, ponds, or large pools in rivers containing hungry trout.

The Live Worm Technique - The live worm technique involves the use of a live worm (obviously) or a synthetic trout worm such as a Powerbait trout worm. Your worm is the allowed to drift naturally with the current of your favorite trout fishing river. The key to this technique is to have your worm bounce or "roll" along the bottom of the river as it flows naturally with the current. This trout fishing technique involves the use of a set of #10 gang hooks that are attached to your line with a small barrel swivel. Weight is added to your rig by using split shot sinkers on the rod side (or above) of the barrel swivel. This fishing technique is effective at all times of the year, but becomes highly effective in the fall of the year.



If you want to catch more and bigger trout on your next fall fishing trip, make these two techniques a part of your fishing arsenal. As I said, these techniques have been highly effective for me over the past couple of decades and I know the will serve you well also. Master these two trout fishing techniques and the fall will become your favorite time of the year for fishing for trout just like it is for me.



A casting bubble kit for fall trout fishing



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Shark Fishing Tips

Shark fishing is one of the most exciting type of fishing that you will ever do. Shark fishing is only for the bold, the strong, and the people that are ready for the biggest adrenaline flow of their life! There are many different sharks to fish for; from lemon sharks to tiger sharks to great white sharks. Sharks are found in almost any type of salt water at any location. Good spots to look for sharks are near reefs where smaller fish are located in which they are feeding. Sharks also have been known to hang out around sandbars. Some additional good tips for catching sharks are


Make sure when fishing for sharks you have strong tackle. Don't be surprised to catch a shark that weighs well over 300 lbs. It is imperative that you have strong fishing line; at least 100 pound test line as well as a rod that will not break with a fish that big on. You have to use strong tackle to catch strong fish.
Have some chum with you that you can dump it into the water in order to attract the sharks. Sharks are curious creatures with great senses that can sense anything out of the ordinary and they will be attracted to the chum you throw in the water. Once the sharks congregate around the chum, they will be ready to feed on your bait.
Have several rods with you. Having more than one rod cast out will give you a better chance to hook a shark and therefore to have the fishing experience of your life!
One of the best ways to catch a shark is to catch some mackerel before you go shark fishing and use the mackerel in order to catch a shark. Even a big fish like that can't ignore that bait and if you can get some mackerel as bait you will eventually catch a huge shark and have a story to tell everyone.
Finally, when fishing for sharks don't forget to have a gaff with you in order to release the fish or if you are keeping it, bring it in the boat for a nice meal. Many people don't realize it but shark is a tasty fish.
Fishing at night is also a very productive method for shark fishing as they like to feed nocturnally.

Sport fishing for shark is very popular amongst fisherman. Next time you are near salt water you should give it a try.

Article by Patricia Kopp. Please visit this site for an informative collection of more shark fishing tips. Check out these vintage fishing lures to help you catch more shark.

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How To Have An Excellent Deep Sea Fishing Adventure

Deep sea fishing can be an exciting adventure indeed, especially for those who love fishing and the ocean. Here are a few pointers to help you find and hook the right sort of "game" the next time you go deep sea fishing:

Keep an eye out for telltale signs: When out on the ocean, if you spot seagulls swooping down to pick up small bait-type fish, you know there are bigger game-type fish hunting and driving these fish into tight balls near the surface. In certain cases, you will even find larger fish swimming near floating wood or debris. Generally, the best place to fish for big game fish is near reefs. This is because these larger fish prey on the fish that live in the reef. Oftentimes, fishermen try to catch live bait-fish near the reef and head to deeper waters in the hopes catching the big ones. However, this tactic rarely proves successful and it's recommended to fish around the edges of reefs.

Type of Fishing rods and hook: Using lighter fishing rods out in rivers, streams, lakes and even surf fishing is fine, but when you go deep sea fishing for larger fish like marlin, large sea bass, shark, tuna and stripers, you will need a much stronger rod that can take the weight of the fish, withstand the time it takes to catch one and handle the struggle between fish and fisherman. This is why it's not surprising to see fisherman opting for graphite fishing rods which are relatively light yet extremely strong and durable for heavy duty deep sea fishing. Although graphite is also used to make fishing rods for other types of fishing, deep sea fishing rods made out of graphite are much longer, wider and denser. The only downside to graphite fishing rods is that they are not as flexible, which is why some fishermen also use relatively less durable but strong, light and flexible fiberglass fishing rods for deep sea fishing. As far as hooks are concerned, circle hooks are best suited for deep sea fishing. Circle hooks translate into more catches since they have a minute gap and a reverse point. Such hooks are also better for the fish because they hook the fish in the lip and not in the gut, causing minimum suffering.

Popular Catches: Snook are a popular fish among deep sea fishermen and these can be found swimming around rocks, ledges and posts. Another popular type of fish are Stripers and the best time to go fishing for these is at the full moon when they are hunting for crabs who have just shed their shells. A great way to catch these is to use crab imitations as bait. Yet another popular deep sea fishing fish is the yellow fin tuna. These are often found schooling with dolphins, so if you spot a dolphin group, you may find some tuna swimming in the area as well.

The aforementioned are a few tips that will help enhance your deep sea fishing experience. So go ahead, head into the open seas and strap yourself in for a fun filled roller coaster ride!

For more on fishing, visit http://www.fishinggeartips.com where you can get tips on fishing for trout, getting the right fishing gear and deep sea fishing [http://www.fishinggeartips.com/deepseafishing.php].

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Catch More Fish - The Simple, Free Way To Increase Strikes By 50% Or More - Guaranteed!

You can double or even triple the number of fish you catch right now. It's easy and, best of all, free. You don't need to give a dime to any big tackle companies or to the big chain stores. The only thing it will cost you is a little time.

The secret is so simple and easy that it often goes overlooked by both beginning and experienced anglers. Don't waste years of fishing experimenting with costly fishing lures or gimmicks. In just a few minutes a day, you can instantly increase the number of fish you catch without spending a dime.

The Easiest Way to Catch More Fish

The secret anyone can use to catch more fish is improving casting. Many anglers never actually practice their casting. Improving your casting is such a simple way to increase strikes that it often goes overlooked by most anglers. Many anglers don't even think about casting until they are on the water. Inaccurate casting dramatically decreases your chances of catching big fish. Don't assume you are a proficient caster just because you've caught fish or because you've been fishing for a long time. Don't make the same mistake that I did-take this test now to see if you can cast.

The Test that Tripled the Number of Fish I Caught

The tackle companies and chain stores make big profits from unsuspecting anglers. In fact, according the the US Fish and Wildlife Service, sportspersons spent an estimated $34 billion in 2001 alone. The fishing industry spends a lot of money on packaging and sponsorships to try to convince anglers that they know all about what catches fish. They would like you to believe that their expensive "scientifically tested" lures are catching you fish, but it just may be where your lure or bait landed that actually caught the fish. Take the test in this article before wasting any money on overpriced lures or gimmicks.

Monster Bass are Lazy. You Can't Be!

Big fish are lazy. They are looking to gain the most amount of energy for the least amount of work. They are like a teenager sitting on a couch watching TV. If you put cheese doodles on the coffee table, they will be eaten in an instant, but if you place the cheese doodles ten feet away, out of an arm's reach, you will dramatically decrease the chance that they will be eaten. It doesn't matter if you substitute cheese puffs for cheese doodles. The closer the food gets to the teenager, the more likely it is to be eaten. It is the accuracy of the bait; it is the same way with fish. You've got to put your lure or bait where fish will not have to expend energy.

The biggest fish, especially bass, are smart and lazy. They have learned to stay close to cover where they can be protected while waiting to ambush prey. One of the best places to find fish is in structure. Structure could be any number of things: docks, boat ramps, rocks, trees, stumps, bridges, or any other place fish can find protection and still meet their basic needs. Not all structure holds fish, but if you can find structure located next to deep water, there is a good chance fish will be holding there. If you scare fish with inaccurate casts, they will often head to deeper water until they feel safe enough to return. This decreases your chances of catching them.

You May Not Get a Second Chance to Make Fish Strike

The first cast you make has the highest probability of generating a reaction strike. On certain days, only the first cast will catch fish. If you've ever cast and gotten a strike, but then didn't get any more strikes, the first strike was most likely a reaction strike. You may not get a second chance at a large fish. If your cast is off by even a foot, you might send a lunker into deeper water where it will wait for a more accurate caster to come along and catch it.

The Cast is More Important Than the Lure

An amazing lure that a fish never sees won't catch fish. You can generate reaction strikes with some simple lures and they do not to be expensive. Instead of wasting money on expensive lures that promise to catch fish, it is a better idea to put five minutes a day into developing a great cast.

Seven Ways You Can Catch More Fish By Improving Your Casting

When you can consistently and accurately cast a lure 20-30 feet, you'll catch more fish. Becoming a great caster can double the number of fish you catch. Pinpoint accuracy can be the difference between a fish in the boat or just a splash on the water.

o Most anglers don't get as much time as they would like to on the water, and without knowing it, many anglers are practicing their casting while they are fishing. This is not the time to practice casting! Imagine if the only time basketball players practiced shooting was during a game! Their shooting percentages would plummet. It is the same with fishing. Practice at home in the off season and your percentages will go up.

o Practicing casting is a great way to cure cabin fever in the off season.

o Practicing casting will help you become more familiar with your equipment as well as maintaining it for fishing trips.

o If you can't cast with pinpoint accuracy, you will not be able to access some of the best spots to catch fish, deep in heavy cover.

o If you can't cast with pinpoint accuracy you will get snagged. While you're snagged your lure or bait isn't in the water and you are decreasing your chances of catching fish.

o If you are releasing a snag, you will be scaring fish and adding frustration to your day.

o Increasing your casting ability creates instant confidence. Confidence is the most important factor in fishing.

You're TEN Casts Away From a Ten Pound BASS-Take This Test!

Here's the test every angler should take.

Take a lure or weight and rig it to your fishing pole. If you are using a lure, take off the hooks. Try to practice with a weight equal to what you would typically fish with.

Mark off 15-20 feet. Place a plate or frisbee on the ground. Step back and make ten casts. Keep track of how often you get the lure on the target.

Keep track of how many casts it takes you to hit the target? Imagine there is huge fish waiting under the target. Your chances of catching that fish dramatically decrease with each successive cast. The goal is to hit the target directly on the first cast, every time. If you can't do this, practice for a few weeks and it will become second nature. You'll catch more fish, guaranteed.

When Did you Hit the Target?

1st Cast: If you hit the target on the first cast, you can often generate a reaction strike. If you generate a reaction strike, almost any lure will cause a fish to strike. At this point the fish is often just reacting. Be ready to set your hook.

2nd Cast: You may be able to generate a reaction strike if you hit the target on this cast.

3rd Cast: You still have a shot at getting the fish, but you will most likely not generate a reaction strike.

4th Cast: If you haven't hit the target yet, you might be able to entice the fish to strike by using another method or lure.

5th Cast-10th Cast:

It is better to move on to a new location if you haven't hit the target by now. Although you may still get a strike, the fish is probably weary and will be harder to catch, even if it will take your lure.

Every time your cast lands off target, there is a good chance that you are scaring off wary fish. Instead of startling the fish and generating a reaction strike, you just scared it into not striking. Increase your accuracy, and you'll increase your confidence, and you'll catch more fish. Can you consistently hit a small target with a lure? Professional anglers know the importance of casting. They practice, and you should too!

Test #2 Catch Even More Fish

To dramatically increase the number of fish you catch, you will need to cast into structure, not around structure. This second test will simulate a fish holding in structure. If you hit any thing other than the target, you should consider yourself snagged. A snag that needs to be released by hand instantly drops your chances of catching fish in that area. If you have to unhook a snag, there is a good chance that you will scare of all the fish in a 20-30 foot radius. Work on your cast until you can hit the target without hitting the chair. Do this and you will catch more fish.

Take a chair and put it over the plate. Push the plate four inches back from the front legs of the chair. Cast ten times. How long did it take you to hit the target?

Most anglers practice their casting while they are fishing. If you want to increase your strikes by 50%, 60%, 70% or more, practice your casting at home and catch fish when you go fishing.

Michael Stead is the author of Fishing with a Fork: Secrets the Fishing Industry Doesn't Want you to Know. After being disappointed by countless lures and gimmicks that promised to catch fish, he started creating his own lures from ordinary household materials. He was shocked by his results. He is a teacher. He raises both trout and worms. For more information, he can be contacted at [http://www.fishingwithafork.com]

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Fly Fishing - The Ten Deadliest Dry Flies

There are literally thousands of different dry fly patterns in the world. Some are well known, some are so obscure that only a handful of fly fishers have even heard of them. All have caught fish, but only a few have been universally successful. So, here they are - the top ten deadliest dry flies of all time!

10. Black Gnat. The Black Gnat is deadly all year round but is at its best early in the season when there are few flies hatching.

9. Spent Mayfly. The Spent Mayfly is the classic spinner pattern and is over 100 years old. There is a very good reason why it is still popular today - it works!

8. CDC Mayfly. The most effective of the Mayfly patterns is a modern variation on the classic patterns. Used in late May and early June this dry fly probably catches more fish than all the other Mayfly patterns put together.

7. Klinkhammer. A versatile fly suitable for rivers and lakes all year round but is deadly in the summer on still and slow moving water.

6. Grey Wulff. An all time classic that represents a large number of species. Can be used in larger sizes as a Mayfly pattern or as an olive pattern in smaller sizes. This dry fly is a must for all anglers and should be the fly of first choice if you are unsure on what pattern to use.

5. Red Spinner. A traditional chalk stream pattern that continues to catch large numbers of trout and grayling.

4. Balloon Caddis. An unusual entry but catch returns speak for themselves.

3. Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear. Great name, great fly! Can be used all year round but is most effective in the Spring. Its unique scruffy pattern is unmissable but seems to be attractive to trout and grayling.

2. Olive Dun. A generic pattern that represents a great number of upwing fly duns. Deadly all year round.

1. Para Adams. The best pattern by some margin according to my catch returns. The Para Adams is generic and comes in the full range of hook sizes. The parachute pattern allows even the most heavy handed caster to present the fly in a delicate manner. I sometimes use a size 10 to represent a Mayfly but most often use sizes 14-18 in the summer to imitate olive flies. If you don't have this pattern in your fly box you are, in my opinion, lowering your chances of success.

The author, Nick Sawyer, is the grandson of the late Frank Sawyer MBE - inventor of the Pheasant Tail Nymph. Nick runs a small hobby business dedicated to selling nymphs and flies tied in the original manner devised by Frank Sawyer.

Please visit http://www.SawyerNymphs.com for nymphs, flies, fishing books and traditional fishery management products.

If you are unsure on what type of fly to use, please try our free Sawyer Nymphs Fly Selector Google Gadget at http://www.WhichDryFly.co.uk

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Bass Fishing Tips - 3 Effective Bass Fishing Tips

When it comes to bass fishing it seems to me that bass fishing tips are more prevalent than Hershey kisses in Rosie O'Donnell's cupboards. It seems like every time you turn around there's someone who fancies themselves a fishing expert and has a bass fishing tips to throw at you. I have three of those bass fishing tips to throw at you as well, but thee 3 effective bass fishing tips have been proven through more than 50 years of combined fishing experience.

Does 50 years of combined fishing experience mean that these tips are the be all, end all when it comes to fishing tips? Certainly not, but it does mean that the tips have been proven through experience, which is incredibly valuable. Fishing experience is where fishing tips come from and these fishing tips come from experience.

There are many people out there selling all kinds of "systems", over priced e-books, and devices that will supposedly help you catch more fish. I've actually seen one product being pimped out there that supposedly calls the bass (and every other species of fish) to you when you're fishing? This market is marketed as some sort of "secret weapon". How crazy does this sound? The bottom line is that the only secret to fishing is that there is no secret. Learn simple tips like the ones in this article and then go out and put them into practice.

So, what are these bass fishing tips that will help you catch more bass?


Use Line That's As Light As Possible - Many bass anglers use fishing line that's much heavier than they need to use. Bass have keen eyesight and in many instances can see your fishing line, and if the bass see your fishing line they are much less apt to bite. Obviously factors such as water clarity come into play as well. The bottom line is a great bass fishing tip is to employ fishing line that's as light as possible.
Use Realistic Bass Fishing Lures - No matter what type of fishing lure you choose to use, you want to make sure that your bass fishing lures are as realistic as possible. The more your bass lure looks like the quarry the bass normally eat, the more effective said lure will be. When it comes to bass fishing tips using a realistic fishing lure is one of the best
Use Mother Nature To Your Advantage - As a bass angler you should always use Mother Nature to your advantage, specifically the weather and moon. These two forces of Mother Nature have an incredible impact on the feeding behavior of bass (and all other fish). This bass fishing tip can become quite involved, but the basics are simple to learn and put into practice. The bottom line is that using Mother Nature to your advantage is an extremely effective and useful bass fishing tip.

The 3 bass fishing tips just outlined are obviously not the only bass fishing tips you will ever need. They are however 3 tips that will most certainly help you become a much more successful bass angler. Give one or all of them a shot and find out for yourself, you won't be disappointed.

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!

Learn How Mother Nature Impacts Fishing For FREE - http://www.jrwfishing.com/signup.html

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Sea Fishing Rods

Shopping for sea fishing rods can seem daunting if you have little experience with sea fishing, or have only previously fished in fresh water.

Follow my simple pointers below and you'll be on your way to catching bigger sea fish with the least effort.

Here are 5 essential things to consider while researching to buy sea fishing rods:

1. Think about where you're going to be fishing.

Will you be mostly fishing from the ocean shore? Will you primarily be deep sea fishing?

Think about this carefully. Your fishing destination determines the types of fish you intend to catch and the techniques you'll use.

If you've only fished in freshwater before now, you'll certainly need a stronger rod for fishing in the sea. Sea fish such as marlin and shark are stronger than fish that live in rivers, lakes, or even estuaries.

Fishing for, say, sea bass or marlin, requires a stronger rod that can land heavier fish, whereas you could get away with a lighter rod for fish like grouper, flounder or snapper.

2. Consider the material your new rod will be made from.

Graphite or fibreglass are generally good choices for sea fishing rods.

Both materials are strong and light. They aren't affected by the salt in sea water and so resist corrosion, rust, brittleness.

Graphite isn't very flexible but it is strong and relatively light.

You've maybe fished with graphite rods before, but those made for fishing in the sea are longer, wider and denser.

An alternative material is fiberglass. Fiberglass sea fishing rods are much more flexible than graphite which makes it easier to fight stronger fish for a longer period of time without getting tired.

The only compromise with fiberglass rods are that they generally don't last as long as graphite. For me, that's an acceptable compromise, and my personal favorites are fiberglass rods.

3. Consider the tackle you're going to use with your rod.

No type of fishing rod is worth a dime without tackle, and saltwater fishing rods are no exception. Certain rods work well with certain kinds of tackle, and certain types of tackle work well with certain kinds of fishing rods.

The tackle you require will be greatly determined by where you're fishing, what fish you'll be catching and what techniques you'll be using.

4. Take account of the fishing techniques you'll be using.

Different fishing techniques are required in different fish habitats for catching different fish. Deep drop? shallow drop? bottom techniques?

Think carefully about the techniques you'll likely be using before buying your rod.

5. Do your research.

The vast array of styles, brands, materials and accessories available is staggering.

My advice: don't skimp on your research.

Use the internet to browse the available range. Check out online fishing stores to find out what you can get for your budget.

Buy magazines and read the advice and reviews. I spotted 4 magazines dedicated to saltwater fishing in my local store alone yesterday.

And, if you have the chance, talk to experienced fishermen (or women). You'll receive no better advice than from people who are experts with sea fishing rods.

Take your time to fully research your options before you buy, with my simple pointers in mind.

Good luck researching and buying sea fishing rods!

Find out more about why quality sea fishing rods are the most vital piece of equipment in your sea fishing arsenal on Lori Rocha's Sea Fishing Rods blog.

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River Fishing Tips - How to Fish Rivers

When someone says "river fishing", what do you think of? Do you tend to think of fishing in a river for salmon or steelhead? Or do you think of fishing in a muddy river for fish like catfish? Or maybe you think of fishing in a crystal clear river for trout or smallmouth bass? We all have our favorite version of "river fishing", and in this article I'm going to provide you with some effective river fishing tips that are best employed while wading and fishing in small rivers.

I learned how to fish rivers effectively more than 20 years ago by my best friends' father, who was a legendary fisherman from central Pennsylvania. This man was a great river fisherman the river fishing tips outlined in this article come directly from things he taught me. If you want to know how to fish rivers effectively, this article is for you.

These tips are effective for almost any fish that swims in the flowing waters of small rivers and streams such as smallmouth bass, trout, whitefish, and even walleye. The tips can also be easily modified for larger fish such as steelhead and salmon.

The first thing to keep in mind when wading and fishing in rivers is that in most cases the water that you're fishing is very clear. This means that the heavier your fishing line is the more visible it is to the fish you're trying to catch. When wading and fishing in rivers you always want to use fishing line that's as light as possible. In other words match your line to the fish you expect to catch. For example, when fishing for trout or smallmouth bass in rivers, I always use four pound test monofilament. The less visible your fishing line is to the fish, the more bites you will receive; it's as simple as that.

When fishing in river, especially while wading, it's important to remember that the bottom is your friend. Whether you are fishing bait or throwing small spinners, spoons, or lures bouncing your offering along the bottom it very effective when river fishing. If you want to know how to fish rivers, remember that the bottom is your friend. And remember that getting snagged is also quite common when fishing in rivers. As my mentor used to say, "If your not getting snagged, you're not fishing in the right place".

Another important river fishing tip is to be as organized as possible. You want to have your fishing gear and bait where it's easily accessible. This means that a fishing vest is a "must have" item. A fishing vest is the most effective way to organize your gear for river fishing while wading. If you like to fish with bait, another great product for fishing while wading is a bait bag. Of all of the river fishing tips in this article this might be the best. Makes using live bait (such as worms) a ton easier. The point is that when wading and fishing in rivers you want to be able to concentrate on the task at hand and being organized helps you accomplish this task.

The tips contained in this article will make you a much more successful river angler if they are put into practice. This is the key to being successful with any type of fishing. Practice. The bottom line is that the more time you can spend on the water practicing your craft, the more successful you will be.

Trevor Kugler is co-founder of JRWfishing.com and an avid angler. He has more than 25 years experience fishing for all types of fish, and 15 years of business and internet experience. He currently raises his five year old daughter in the heart of trout fishing country.

Gang Hooks Tied & Ready To Fish: http://www.jrwfishing.com/gang_hooks.asp

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Fly Fishing - Do You Need A Guide?

Fly-fishing is an art as well as a sport. The art is choosing the correct presentation and the right flies for your targeted species. And, of course, knowing where to find the fish! Is it cheating to hire a guide? Like art, the only way to cheat is to steal someone's style or present his or her work as yours.

Is a guide cheating?

Using a guide is no more cheating than getting someone else's opinion. That is exactly what a guide does. They give you enhance your experience by sharing what they have learned through their own experience. By using a guide, you will only enhance and improve your abilities as a fly fisherman. You haven't stolen anything from them, simply because they showed you how and when.

When should you hire a guide?

Now that we have cleared that up, the next question becomes when to use a guide.

The frugal angler will hire a guide for the first few days of a fishing trip. It will relieve all the frustration of finding new spots and new flies. The guide can make it a trip that last forever in your memory as a good fishing trip.

If you are fishing in familiar waters or locally you probably will not need a guide. This is the time you can clear your pallet and discover your talents. Paint your memories of the big one you caught or the quantity you caught.

By hiring a guide when you are making a trip to unfamiliar waters or unfamiliar species,you can enjoy his or her style and learn from him/her. Experiencing different guides is like going to an art gallery and discovering the many ways art is created. Guides can help you become a better angler by sharing their way of catching the fish.

A Guide to Out Do Others

The sport is catching that trophy fish or out fishing those around you. Fly fishermen are competitive also and that is what makes fishing such a great sport.

It is not cheating to use a guide. After all, they can't catch the fish for you. They show you were to fish and what the fish like. All these things you could discover yourself, given time. However, you don't have that kind of time on vacation. Therefore, hiring a guide is a good way to go.

Summing up, use a guide when you are traveling to catch a new species or when you are fishing in unfamiliar waters. Think of the guide as your own personal tutor to fly fishing.

Robert enjoys many business ventures and sharing his passion with others. As a businessman, he always has new projects going. Visit his latest adventure at http://officefurnitureforthehome.net/ where he shares his knowledge of Office Furniture for the Home.

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How to Land and Release a Trout

Trout are great little fighters. Hauling in a big Brown Trout can sometimes feel like hauling in a monster carp, Rainbow trout will surprise with rod-bending runs and acrobatics. Given their active nature and their surprising strength many fishermen forget that they're dealing with an animal that is actually very fragile when removed from its environment. These same anglers may go on to release a trout and feel satisfied with a job well done; never see the poor fish die later from mishandling or oxygen deprivation. With a few simple precautions and techniques, however, this need never happen.

Properly handling a trout begins before your bait ever touches its lips. One of the first things an angler can do to protect trout is to de-barb his hooks. This is simply a matter of bending the barbs down with a pair of hemostats or fishing pliers. Barbs don't add appreciably to the ability to catch fish, but do add to the damage of removal. As a matter of fact, you may actually see your catch rates go up as setting the hook becomes easier. Armed with de-barbed hooks you're ready to go to the next step and learn how to properly land a trout.

Bring the trout to shore or to your hip (if wading) without removing it from the water. One thing to avoid is dangling the trout from your line in mid-air. This can damage the fish and cause it stress from which it may not recover. Instead, land the fish with a net designed for trout. If you must land it by hand cradle one hand underneath the trout and stabilize it with the other. Remove the hook carefully, use hemostats if necessary. If the hook just wont come out then clip it off and let the trout go with it, he'll get rid of it eventually.

Finally, try not to keep the trout out of the water for more than 45 to 50 seconds. Remember that the trout is delicate, its skin is covered with a thin "film" that protects it from injury and should not be abrased. When you place him back revive him by cradling the trout in the water with your cupped hand. Hold the tail with your other hand and move it (the trout) back and forth in the water. When the fish kicks free with a strong motion you'll know it's revived...don't let it go to soon to roll on it's back and drown. If you learn to do this correctly don not be surprised to run into the same fish several times over the coming years.

Some streams are stocked and taking the fish for your table is actually encouraged. It's important to know the applicable regulations for your favorite stream or lake. If you're fishing a catch and release only stream then these simple guidelines should guarantee you and your fellow anglers a healthy supply of trout every time you go fishing. As always, leave no trace and if you see litter pick it up.

Jeffrey Gray, founder of TroutWorld.com, has been helping trout fishermen find their way to new and different fishing venues via the internet since 1999.
www.troutworld.com -- bringing you great deals on gear, trout fishing news, tips, tricks and a world of information.
www.MagnaScreen.com -- The SUV camping solution: Turn your SUV into a tent.

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Catching Fish Advice And Tips

I have been fishing for over forty years both fresh water and at sea where I for many years owned and skippered a charter fishing boat. All fishermen are the same, no matter how many fish they catch it's always the same story, why did I not catch more or bigger fish. Maybe it would help to rectify this by remembering the following tips.

Tackle

Today there is a huge selection available for every kind of fishing and most of the top brands extremely expensive. This does not mean that you cannot catch plenty of good quality fish without spending a fortune.

Decide on the type of fishing you want to pursue and kit yourself out accordingly within your budget but don't expect you can use your fresh water tackle for sea fishing or vice versa. Ensure you have all that's necessary, carry out a regular inventory of your tackle box and obviously maintain all your tackle as new. One important piece of equipment that so many overlook is a good quality stainless steal and very sharp knife.

Also included in your tackle box should be a reasonable size first aid kit including protective sun cream especially if sea angling.

Weather

Whether to go or not to go? If sea fishing it's obviously up to the skipper to decide if conditions are suitable but it is also your choice. If it is your first experience of sea fishing and it is blowing a force four or more do not go, it could put you off sea angling for life. So many times have I had fishermen turn up for a trip and when I warned them it was going to be rough and advised those not experienced to cancel, had them tell me,"No problem we have fished in rough weather many times" only for half of them to be begging me to take them back within an hour. It is unfair to the others on board if you go on a trip without being 90% sure you will not get seasick.
The weather also effects the fishing, the old fishermen's saying, "The east wind doth blow, no fish will show" has a lot of truth in it from my experience. I have found the most productive days to be overcast with a light to moderate wind. Cloudless totally calm days while a pleasure to be at sea are not always so good for the fishing.

For fresh water fishing weather is also a factor, again those cloudless hot days seem to put the fish to sleep whereas a nice breeze and slightly overcast sky is better. Wet days are also good although not pleasant for the angler, but I have had some of my best catches in these conditions. Try also to fish with the wind in your face providing it is not too strong to prevent casting. During the summer the water warms up and fish seek deeper cooler water so a nice deep pool under the shade of some trees should be a good choice.

Attire and Approach

Remember above all you are a hunter, so dress and act accordingly. A suitably camouflaged and waterproof set of clothes is essential for the fresh water angler and stealth must be used when approaching your swim. If you see other anglers who are on a day out with the family keep well away as for sure they will be making a lot of noise.

When netting your catch place your landing net in the water and bring the fish to the net and try to avoid letting the fish thrash around on the surface. When replacing the fish do so very gently, don't just toss it back as I have seen so many anglers do which can not only harm the fish but will certainly disturb any nearby feeding on your ground bait.

For the sea angler clothing is vitally important although camouflage is not so important it must be of good enough quality to keep you warm and dry without being too bulky. Beware of the sun, it never seems so hot at sea but believe me you burn quicker. If you must expose you lilly white body make sure you apply adequate and high factor cream. The wind will burn your face and can chap your lips so a large brimmed hat is a good idea plus some lip salve.

While at sea keep the noise to a minimum, you should be wearing soft soled waterproof boots. Avoid banging the lid of your tackle box shut, letting your rod bang against the side of the boat, dropping you can of drink on the deck, etc. I remember one skipper who threatened to throw anyone who whistled while on his boat, into the sea. He called it "Whistling up the wind"
There is only one time you need to cast while boat fishing and that is for spinning but ask the skippers permission first because this is dangerous to other anglers.. I always insisted that only one angler be allowed to spin and that had to be done from the fore deck away from the other anglers.

One good tip about fishing from a boat, always try and fish from the stern, you are less likely to get tangled up with other anglers lines and from my experience anglers in this position catch more fish. Maybe it's because the experienced anglers always go for this spot!

Bait.

It goes without saying that bait and ground bait needs to be of the best quality and fresh. For the sea angler a good skipper will have a supply of bait but will also try and catch some fresh mackerel or sand eels etc. while on the way to his selected mark.
The fresh water angler must decide on the bait to be used and ensure he has a sufficient supply. Nothing is more infuriating than to run out of a bait that is constantly catching fish.
Ground bait too must be fresh, no good expecting to use last weeks left- overs.
While ground baiting or attaching bait to the hook, ensure your hands are clean, not coated in sun cream or anything else that will spoil the bait. If you are a smoker wipe your hands thoroughly before handling either the ground bait or the hook bait, a good idea is to rub them in the grass or soil, if on a boat in the sea.

Conservation.

Fishing is, in regard to numbers participating, the biggest sport in the world with millions fishing every day. It should be obvious that it is vital to conserve the fish stock, whether it be sea fish a fresh water. Most sea fish are good to eat but what is the point in keeping and killing more than one can eat and it is criminal to kill undersize fish.

While fishing in Darwin a couple of years ago I was delighted to learn that all the charter boats now operate a policy of catch and return. All the boats have an adequate fish tank to keep alive enough fish till the end of the day when the anglers can choose the ones they are going to eat that evening, the rest being returned. Any fish too big for the tank are weighed and photographed and returned immediately. Gone are the days when anglers came ashore with the days catch to be strung up and photographed.

Fresh water anglers should have a keep net big enough to allow the fish to be returned unharmed at the end of the session but unless you are competition fishing it is better to weigh and photograph your fish and return immediately.

Conclusion.

I hope you have found my article informative or at least given you food for thought. If you would like more information, advice and sources for where to go for fishing holidays, where to buy good tackle, bait etc. etc. please join my newsletter and immediately receive for free a forty year old proven method to catch fish without fishing, they actually catch themselves.

Good Fishing

http://www.carpfinder.com

The author was the first to set up and operate a charter fishing business in Jersey in the late 1960's/70's. "Phils Angling Charters" Over forty years experience of both fresh water and sea angling.

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What to Expect From a Montana Fishing Guide

"Big Sky Country" and "Land of the Shining Mountains" are just two of several monikers that Montana has always been known for, and righteously so. This awesome state offers just what its nicknames advertise: vast tracts of the great blue sky, unimpeded by towering skyscrapers; rocky mountain ranges that stretch majestically into infinity, and most importantly, one of its many hidden treasures - the art and pleasure of fishing.

With plenty of water welling up from its great Rocky Mountains and flowing down into swift little creeks and mighty rivers, Montana offers plenty of game for fly-fishing buffs.

The sport, which is ever growing in popularity, attracts enthusiasts from all over the state as well as out-of-towners, and while it is to be expected that the locals know their way around like the back of their hands, those who are new to the area require guidance in navigating the challenging waterways of Montana's fly-fishing paradise.

Fly Fishing Guides

To address the need for some fishing guidance in Montana's great rivers expressed by many fishing enthusiasts, novice and expert alike, many businesses have been put up to do precisely that. All over Montana, there are plenty of fishing guides and outfitting companies that offer a wide variety of fishing services that range from arranged fishing tours to giving fishing technique advice as well as provision of fishing gear and equipment.

All of these services can be expected of a typical fly-fishing company, and most will probably offer variations of these benefits. Some additional come-ons for potential clients include board and lodging, as well as other outdoor activities like camping, hiking and horseback riding.

What to Expect

Fishing guides in Montana are among the most knowledgeable and the most experienced fly fishers around. As such, the guides are the very foundations of the state's fly fishing industry. Typically, a Montana fishing guide will be able to take you on guided fishing tours and show you the best spots in the best rivers from which to fish on. Some of the classic fly fishing rivers in Montana include the Gallatin, Yellowstone, and Madison. Most of them will also be able to offer advice not just on the best fishing areas, but also on how to go about fly-fishing.

They will be able to share a variety of tips, tricks and techniques that will surely enlighten the fishing mind - something that is especially helpful for beginners who want to learn more about the sport and are just starting out on their own forays into this exhilarating experience.

Fishing guides are also essentially tour guides. The great ones will be able to share extensive knowledge about fly fishing as well as stories about the many rivers of Montana, the state itself and tidbits of trivia and history that will make anyone's fly-fishing adventure a memorable experience.

Finally, fishing guides in Montana, precisely because of their knowledge and expertise should be able to keep you and your fishing party safe and in secure fishing territory. This ensures that those who signed up for a great fishing adventure get exactly what they ask for - no more, no less.

Get lots more information on Montana fishing guides, lodges, and resorts at http://www.MontanaFishingToday.com.

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How To Correctly Choose The Right Fishing Tackle

I recently had a conversation with "wonder bread boy" about a serious dilemma he was having.

It seems that he has misplaced, lost or surrendered, to his ex, the bulk of his fishing gear.

Now, this alone is a monumental problem in itself, not the lost or misplaced part, but the trying to ask your ex for something that means absolutely nothing to her but would certainly open up a humongous can of nightcrawlers should you attempt to ask for it back...

"Hi sweet."

"Oh, it's YOU."

"How ya been?"

"Cut the chit chat wonder boy, what is it you want?"

"Well,(gulp) it seems-snookums- that when you tossed me out into the street and took legal ownership of all my bank accounts and left me with little or nothing to subsist on in this world, I, silly me, forgot to grab my fishing pole on the way out."

"You want your fishing pole back?"

"Ahh yeah."

"Sure, you can have it back, it's out in the garage."

"REALLY!"

"Yes, I have it all boxed up in that nice little shoebox, labeled @#$&*@#!!+, it's all yours."

"Oh."---"Never mind."

"By the way, my lawyer will be contacting you about increasing monthly child support, cars don't drive themselves without gas you know. Have a NICE day...."

So, as you can see, not willing to risk the ramifications, wonder bread boy was suddenly thrust into the market of having to go find some new fishing gear.

Here in lies the real problem.

WBB sidled on down to our local giant cowbird-which happens to be the Blackbird Sporting Goods store--and walked in looking to replace his spin fishing outfits. Finding replacements for the kids was easy, he just grabbed Scooby and Spiderman combo outfits and knew that the kids would settle who was qualified to be Scooby and who was qualified to be Spiderman.

Finding the right combo for himself was another story.

So, there he stood in the middle of the aisle, staring with that "deer in the headlight look", at dozens of rods and reels that he had not a clue as to which to choose from. Shimano's, Okuma's, Mitchell's, Abu Garcia's, Shakespeare's, Penn's, gear ratio's, ultralight's,micro's,Ugly Stik's,Daiwa's, two piece, three piece, sensitive tip, ultimate stiffness, Maxim's,Quantum's....WHEW!!

"I just want to catch some flippin' crappies."

Wonder Bread Boy, turned and headed for the checkstand. The boys got there rods, and WBB decided he would bait hooks and watch them fish.

All this over stimulation and multitude of choices had him reaching back far into his neanderthal tendencies, and he almost went home and tied some kite string onto a flagpole. Thinking that $70 or $80 was too much to invest, especially in "crappie futures", he figured he would fashion up a nice "fishing stick" to pursue fish and avoid the trauma of having to decide which combo was right for him.

It has gotten that way.

Fishing, like golf or skiing or just about any sport has gotten way to specialized and seems to require multiple quivers of gear for different situations. You can't use bass gear for trout.You have to have "lake fishing" set ups, "river fishing" set ups, trolling rods, casting rods.If you want want to have more fun with 9 inch fish, you have to go "light". Level winds for salmon. Fly fishing gear for "fly only" waters.You get the picture.

It's maddening as well as intimidating.

I myself, own a small satellite operation of Cabela's aka "my playroom", that will take my daughter at least two years to liquidate when I pass on to the big fishing pond in the sky. At last count I had fifteen various rods, and way too many reels and extra spools and such. Why I even found a reel I can't even remember purchasing....STILL IN THE BOX!!!!!

My gosh, I must be like a sleepwalker who wanders into the fishing aisles and starts gathering up items, only to wake up and not have a clue as to 'how did that sturgeon fishing rod got in my garage'!!

I've never even been sturgeon fishing.

We won't even get into the six or seven tackle "tubs"--not boxes--of lures, flies,trolling rigs, vests, waders, nets, flippers,attractants, baits,and yes dehydrated nightcrawlers, that have found their way into my fishing arsenal in over 40 years of fishing.

Lord knows, that if the nightcrawler should ever go extinct, there is plenty of DNA in my fishing tub to bring 'em back into existence!!

All that being said, I am now going to try and simplify your life by giving you three simple rules to go by when choosing your fishing gear:

1) Pick your fish species of choice.

Don't try to outfit yourself with every type of fishing gear. If trout and bass are the predominant type of fishing you do, then get a good combo outfit that is adequate for both. The same goes for salmon and steelhead, if these are the fish of choice, outfit yourself with a good middle of the road combination that will allow you to fish for both. Quite honestly, if you only occasionally go fishing for a certain type of fish--hire a guide and use his gear, or if you are a do it yourself guy, borrow and share with buddies who may have multiple outfits.(Like me!!)

Don't get me wrong. Different types of fishing really can be enhanced and improved by having slightly more specialized gear and if you decide that you have plenty of expendable income... go for it. But if you don't, it is just best to decide what kind of fish you really enjoy fishing for.

2) Stay to the middle.

The old rule of thumb, that you don't want to buy the least expensive and you don't want to buy the most expensive, certainly applies to fishing gear. If you buy your fishing gear at the "dollar store" or the Salvation Army, you are probably going to get what you pay for. On the other hand, don't be sucked in by the glossy ads and goofy graphs and bar charts that show why an extra $120 dollars spent on the same $60 dollar product will have you smiling and holding a mass quantity of big fish. I have seen plenty of good fishermen using good average run of the mill gear, catching as many, or out catching dudes with high priced fancy outfits.
I have sat in sporting good stores and had salesmen tell me how "sweet" this rod or that reel is and asked me to wiggle it around, then when I picked up a cheaper rod or reel and not felt any difference they looked at me like I was from Mars.
Most brand name gear today is made pretty well, so you can just pick ---the pretty one!!

3)Don't scrimp on the fishing line.

To me, in just about any kind of fishing, this is a big key. Get the right line, and get good quality. Whether it is having the right type of fly line, or the right test of monofilament, you will catch more fish if you pay attention to the selection of your lines. Too heavy, and fish will sit there staring at your line like WBB stares at aisle 32 at the Blackbird.

Use floating line when you should sink. Or sinking line when you should float. And you will have a nice day casting and/or walking on the river or lake.

I once used a fishing line called "Vanish",that was supposed to be the greatest thing since....well....Wonder Bread, and the only thing that "vanished" was the fish I was catching. Every fish I hooked broke me off. I switched lines and started to land fish after that. So that line has now "vanished" from my tackle collection and is now occupying some space at a landfill.

...And vanishing from my tackle collection is obviously no small feat!

So, get the right line and you can almost tie it on WBB's flagpole and catch fish. (with hook and bait of course...)

There you have it, Wonder Bread Boy, you are now armed with enough information to head into your local sporting goods store and confidently make a selection, so you can fish with your kids.

Or, you can wait about 30 years and pick up a nice collection of stuff at my daughters' garage sale!

A.J. Klott

Author, writer of fishing humor,and "fly tack" peddler.A.J. writes about the people,characters and modern day events that surround the fishing world. His first book is due out in December of 2005. If you need a laugh or a fun gift, visit his website at: http://www.twoguyswithflys.com

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Great Fishing Close to Home and No Skunks!

Some of the greatest fishing in the world, is available within a mile or two away any where in the US! Many anglers miss out because their gear is too big and not sensitive enough to show them bites. Fish feed in a delicate fashion 90% of the time. In order to catch them, you need to change your ways. If you do, you can be rewarded with 500 fish in 4 hours- my record is 512.

To get in on this action, you will need a few items and, you will need to get rid of a
few old items you may be used to. It might help the reader to know that until the
Spring of 2000, I was a big game fisherman with a box full of lures and plenty of
spinning gear as my main tools for catching fish. Everything changed about the way
I fish, especially the fact that I actually caught fish, every time out. I still have not
been "skunked" since changing my ways. By the way, it's a good thing we don't
smell like a skunk when we don't catch anything as a group of anglers, otherwise
our families would know for sure how miserable a fishing day we had. Getting
"skunked" (catching no fish) stinks!

There is no need to be skunked, if you follow a couple of fishing basics and
transform your gear for local waters (instead of our tackle being based on Florida
bass or Kentucky crappie or Wisconsin Muskie. Even the "ultra light" spinning gear
we are accustomed to using as a standard for local fishing is cutting down on our
catches! Most anglers in the US have never truly fished "ultra" light. Years ago I
changed my gear and I caught sacks full of fish all summer and for the first time in
my fishing career, caught fish into very late fall! I never knew that fish would feed in
late November and early December on open water!

I will give you two examples of having a blast catching fish vs. casting at them.

At a 4th of July picnic on a small pond in suburban Chicago, I was fishing with my
30 foot pole while a pack of kids nearby were busy throwing a bass jig connected
to a 2.5 inch bobber (way too big) at a weed bed extending 4 ft. out into the lake
from the edge. Their problem was simple. They couldn't cast well with the short
"kids" rod and closed face reels. Their giant bobber was not giving them any
indication of bites and the bass jig was too big to fit in any of the nearby fish's
mouths. Their 10 lb. line was like a cable being seen by even the aggressive fish in
the area approaching this rig (read- avoiding). When the rig was actually wet,
because these kids could not get the thing into the water near the fish because of
tangles and weeds on the jig head, it was not catching fish. Their "casts" couldn't
get the lure/giant bobber combo past the 6-foot wide weedy edge.

I fixed that problem by putting down my pole and setting up my shortest 7 ft.
graphite telescopic "pole" with a delicate float (the size of an pencil eraser) with 1.5
lb. line leader attached to a siz #14 hook and baited it with a tiny grub. I handed the
pole to the first kid and she caught a chubby blue gill within 5 seconds. With this
non-mechanized fishing pole there was nothing to getting the bait just 6 feet out,
past the weed bed. The kids could easily put the bait in front of the fish. As for the
fish, they could easily pull under the tiny natural bait with the small hook and the
float, which was about 1/30th the size of the bobber. The sensitive rig picked up on
the fish sucking in the tiny bait immediately so the kids could react.

Sure, I had to stop fishing for a while, but I had a blast with this pack of 6 kids. My
newly adopted friends were out-fishing the guys with spinning gear working around
the pond 40:1 !

The reason most kids don't catch is those short little "kid's" rods. Kids rods come
with the Mouse on the box, wrapped in plastic as one unit and are way too short.
The closed face reels are not bad, but the short rods require a giant 55-gallon drum
bobber which are often sold with these kits. Every angler in America should own and
use a cane pole to fish with! A pole with no reel!

On another day that summer, with nothing more than the cane pole, I won the 1st
day of the U.S. Open with a top weight of 19.75 lb. of blue gill caught in 4 hours.
The answer to this victory was the simplicity of my rig and the size of my line using
a tiny hook. By using this cane pole (really composed of graphite) I was able to fish
quickly for blue gill that were in front of me. The conditions that day had them
feeding in past the first break of the shoreline and were only 8 inches of water. My
rig allowed me to get the bait out to the fish easily, accurately and quickly. Most of
the other anglers in the match were fishing much farther out. My neighbor had a 60
foot pole!!! He was 58 feet past the fish with his expensive gear and I crushed his
weight by 83% using little more than what Huck Finn used -- a cane pole. Some
competitors were even casting far out into the lake some 70 yards away. On this
day, AS MOST DAYS IN OUR LOCAL LAKES, the plentiful smaller fish caught in great
number, will offer you success as an angler.

I would brag even more about that U.S. Open, but my teacher Hall of Fame Angler-
Mick Thill, came from behind and crushed me in day 2 to win the tournament
overall, I finished 2nd.

Here are details on setting up to fish for most every fish in your local ponds. Follow
these (8) steps and you will have a pan fish blast of your own.

1. Consult local bait store owner.

They will give you great information on local ponds and you should be able to buy
some floats, and the rest of your gear below. While not every store owner is great
for information, most can get you to good fishing spots. To start,find waters with
panfish. Panfish are abundant and for the most part active. This will provide you
with a chance to catch fish.

2. Throw out your bobbers and purchase a couple small floats.

Bobbers are no good. Red and white are the worst. Throw them out or save them as
museum pieces. America is about to find out what the rest of the world has known
for 2,000 years. Floats catch fish. Even if you must cast larger float, a properly
balanced float will crush a round bobber every day. Slip bobbers are not as good as
floats either. This is because the line comes out the top in a slip float and catches
wind, current messing up the presentation.

3. Get some good fishing line

6 lb. test is overkill for pond fishing. Use 4 lb. with an even lighter 4 - 6" leader line
to the hook. If a fish feels the line, they are gone. If the fish sees the line, they are
gone. Your leader should be 2 lb.!
Fish feed by sucking their feed in with water. If the line is heavy, it gets sucked in
slower. Most of the time, heavy line is just spit back out. Fish can spit a poor
presentation out faster than you can see your float move up on the surface! With
heavy line, you can miss hundreds of fish bites each time out!! In the World
Championships- I fished with line that is 1/8th the thickness of U.S. 2 lb. line!

4. Get some small, SMALL hooks

Size #12 should be one of the biggest hooks you ever use! If the majority of you
checked your tackle box, I am sure that some 90% of you don't own a hook this
small! A big hook will kill your fishing! Kill it. Take a look at the nail on your pinky
finger. That is about as long as your hook should be or smaller. (Ask your bait store
owner or check out mickthill.com for these hooks) MOST MAJOR CHAINS DO NOT
CARRY THESE HOOKS. Some aren't interested in you catching fish, just buying stuff.
They are quite happy selling a bunch of giant bass hooks, because that is what you
have been buying!!! As we ask for proper equipment, the stores will change and
offer us great selection. You may find these hooks in fly fishing sections of big
stores but you can ask your local dealer to special order them. Size #14 or #16
hooks are perfect. If you are wondering, I have landed a 9 lb. walleye on a size #14
hook with small leech.

5. Get some small bait

Again, the thumbnail on your pinky finger is probably the biggest bait you should
use. There are times the fish only want 1 maggot (spikes) on a tiny #16 hook. Even
the big gills will not take 2 or 3 spikes as readily as they would 1 tiny piece of bait,
this is especially true in early Spring, late Fall and after cold rains. Same would go
for worms. Sometimes using a tiny cut piece will give you success. Only the fish will
tell you. Lastly- big fish eat small bait! I have caught 15 lb. fish on a piece of crawler
the size of my small fingernail.

6. Get a cane pole or telescopic pole

I have landed a 3.5 lb. fish so far on the cane pole with 2 lb. line. We call them
"whips" and some call them crappie poles. I plan on landing bigger fish than that,
but the greatest number of fish are best caught in our local ponds using a whip and
tiny delicate floats with small baits. The whip will deliver the bait out to the exact
spot you need to lower your bait. This could be a drop-off, rock edge, gravel edge
or weed edge. You can hit the exact spot every time! No missed casts. No birds
nests. Once you find the fish, you can put the bait back in with the whip in the spot
where the fish are. Whips vary in length from 6 ft. to 25 feet (longer if you find pro
versions).

7. Balance Your Setup

Good shot is essential to this setup. The bite indicator (float you use) should be the
smallest you can find. Take your line, rig this float up and then using a bucket of
water to add split shot below the rig until your float is nearly sunk. It should be 95%
below the water if you have the right amount of shot on it. 75% of that shot goes
right under the float. Take a few small shot and this will go close to the hook. The
best shot is Anchor brand split shot! This is premium splitshot that will stay on the
line better and not slide around on you. It also tangles much less than the brand
with the wings on it- round shot is best.
Correctly balance your tiny float on thin line with a small hook and you will have
created a very efficient fish-catching machine! When your bait is on the hook, float
in the water- the bait should sink the float a little. When the rig is properly balanced
with bait on it- the slightest movement will show above water for you to see. If you
have too much float tip sticking up- you will not see the bites!

8. Catch (and release) bags full of fish

You will need a keep net for the water if you want to have some fun. Seeing how
many you can catch is all the fun. There is nothing like pulling a bag with 100 fish
out to show people what fishing is all about. If you want to fish in a local club
competition, the net is also required to keep the fish you catch for weight of your
total catch. Keeping some medium sized fish and returning the largest fish is the
way to improve your lake. If you take all the big fish, they won't be in there next
time you go fishing. If you take the medium sized fish, the bigger fish will get even
bigger! It is essential that you release large fish to keep the bloodlines breeding and
ensure future fishing on your lake!

9. Teach a kid to fish and take them fishing

With a cane pole and the basics, kids can have a blast! If we don't take our kids
fishing, and above all, show them a good time, our sport will fade. Improving our
sport brings better fishing programs, cleaner local waters and education on
preserving our environment for kids. We need kids to care about their local world
and taking them fishing for bluegills is the absolute best way to show them a good
time. Incidentally, there is nothing wrong with catfish, golden roach shiners,
bullheads, carp or bass as any fish gives the kids just as much fun. Any fish they
catch will be a blast on a whip.

Who knows, you might even get hooked on pole fishing. I did.

As an angler, is our time best spent casting all day, or catching fish? Certain
situations will require spinning gear, a very long rod and casting, but for the
greatest number of situations in our local ponds and lakes the reel-less pole will
outperform casting gear sometimes by more than 200% and up. I mean, take a look
across the pond at spin casters sitting fishless and you destroying them with a pole-
that is the goal! Or should I say whipping them!

Angler Magazine Writer- John Wilkins
www.MidwestAngler.com
john@midwestangler.com

John Wilkins has fished on the US Fishing Team competing at the highest levels of fishing in Europe, Canada, China & the United States. He has fished in 2 World Championships and has educated anglers on the basics of fishing urban waters. His teacher is angling legend and Hall of Famer Mick Thill. John's top catch is 512 fish in a 4-hour competition and top finish is second in the US Open Championships in 2000.

Visit http://www.midwestangler.com for more tips & info. as well as a complete listing of US Fishing Clubs- the best place to learn is in a club.

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Pike Fishing Can Be Challenging

Many fishermen enjoy fishing as a recreational sport, and this activity is enjoyed by many people around the world. The pike is a carnivorous fish that can be found in fresh water located in the northern hemisphere. These fish are pretty large and can weigh up to 55 pounds. Pike can live in streams and rivers and tend to live in environments with rocks and weeds. They are known to prey on small fish and lives in concealed environments that are cover with brush.

Many fishermen enjoy fishing for pike because the fish are such fighters. They are very aggressive and fishermen have to put up a fight to get their catch out of water. They are a challenge for even skilled fishermen. Many people don't eat them, so the fish may be tossed back into the body of water. The flesh is thin and not the most delectable tasting fish. On the other hand, many Europeans consider it a favorite dish.

If you are going after pike, you will require some special gear. Fishermen will need wire traces for this way of fishing. In addition, wire tracing is a necessity for catch pikes because pikes will bite through regular fishing line. A fisherman should use a main line and wire tracing for this way of fishing. The main line will hold around 15 pounds. The wire tracing should hold a minimum of 30 pounds. The type of hooks to use is double or treble. As well as, choose a rod with a test curve of 2 to 3 pounds. A net is another item that's needed for fishing for pikes. The net can be round shape and at least 30 inches.

There are three kinds of bait needed for this way of fishing. Pike enjoy preying on the smaller fish, so the small live fish can be used as bait. As well as, dead bait can be used for catching this type of fish. Some dead bait that is favorites of the fish are eel, mackerel and smelts. The third option is using lures for catching pikes. Lures are made in a variety of sizes and colors.

Pike fishing can be challenging and fishermen enjoy the high adrenaline of the sport. But watch out for their sharp and spiky teeth, they have been known to bite.

The author has spent a lot of time learning about sport fishing and other related topics. Read more about useful fishing equipment at John Espinosa's website.

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Catch More Fish - The Simple, Free Way To Increase Strikes By 50% Or More - Guaranteed!

You can double or even triple the number of fish you catch right now. It's easy and, best of all, free. You don't need to give a dime to any big tackle companies or to the big chain stores. The only thing it will cost you is a little time.

The secret is so simple and easy that it often goes overlooked by both beginning and experienced anglers. Don't waste years of fishing experimenting with costly fishing lures or gimmicks. In just a few minutes a day, you can instantly increase the number of fish you catch without spending a dime.

The Easiest Way to Catch More Fish

The secret anyone can use to catch more fish is improving casting. Many anglers never actually practice their casting. Improving your casting is such a simple way to increase strikes that it often goes overlooked by most anglers. Many anglers don't even think about casting until they are on the water. Inaccurate casting dramatically decreases your chances of catching big fish. Don't assume you are a proficient caster just because you've caught fish or because you've been fishing for a long time. Don't make the same mistake that I did-take this test now to see if you can cast.

The Test that Tripled the Number of Fish I Caught

The tackle companies and chain stores make big profits from unsuspecting anglers. In fact, according the the US Fish and Wildlife Service, sportspersons spent an estimated $34 billion in 2001 alone. The fishing industry spends a lot of money on packaging and sponsorships to try to convince anglers that they know all about what catches fish. They would like you to believe that their expensive "scientifically tested" lures are catching you fish, but it just may be where your lure or bait landed that actually caught the fish. Take the test in this article before wasting any money on overpriced lures or gimmicks.

Monster Bass are Lazy. You Can't Be!

Big fish are lazy. They are looking to gain the most amount of energy for the least amount of work. They are like a teenager sitting on a couch watching TV. If you put cheese doodles on the coffee table, they will be eaten in an instant, but if you place the cheese doodles ten feet away, out of an arm's reach, you will dramatically decrease the chance that they will be eaten. It doesn't matter if you substitute cheese puffs for cheese doodles. The closer the food gets to the teenager, the more likely it is to be eaten. It is the accuracy of the bait; it is the same way with fish. You've got to put your lure or bait where fish will not have to expend energy.

The biggest fish, especially bass, are smart and lazy. They have learned to stay close to cover where they can be protected while waiting to ambush prey. One of the best places to find fish is in structure. Structure could be any number of things: docks, boat ramps, rocks, trees, stumps, bridges, or any other place fish can find protection and still meet their basic needs. Not all structure holds fish, but if you can find structure located next to deep water, there is a good chance fish will be holding there. If you scare fish with inaccurate casts, they will often head to deeper water until they feel safe enough to return. This decreases your chances of catching them.

You May Not Get a Second Chance to Make Fish Strike

The first cast you make has the highest probability of generating a reaction strike. On certain days, only the first cast will catch fish. If you've ever cast and gotten a strike, but then didn't get any more strikes, the first strike was most likely a reaction strike. You may not get a second chance at a large fish. If your cast is off by even a foot, you might send a lunker into deeper water where it will wait for a more accurate caster to come along and catch it.

The Cast is More Important Than the Lure

An amazing lure that a fish never sees won't catch fish. You can generate reaction strikes with some simple lures and they do not to be expensive. Instead of wasting money on expensive lures that promise to catch fish, it is a better idea to put five minutes a day into developing a great cast.

Seven Ways You Can Catch More Fish By Improving Your Casting

When you can consistently and accurately cast a lure 20-30 feet, you'll catch more fish. Becoming a great caster can double the number of fish you catch. Pinpoint accuracy can be the difference between a fish in the boat or just a splash on the water.

• Most anglers don't get as much time as they would like to on the water, and without knowing it, many anglers are practicing their casting while they are fishing. This is not the time to practice casting! Imagine if the only time basketball players practiced shooting was during a game! Their shooting percentages would plummet. It is the same with fishing. Practice at home in the off season and your percentages will go up.

• Practicing casting is a great way to cure cabin fever in the off season.

• Practicing casting will help you become more familiar with your equipment as well as maintaining it for fishing trips.

• If you can't cast with pinpoint accuracy, you will not be able to access some of the best spots to catch fish, deep in heavy cover.

• If you can't cast with pinpoint accuracy you will get snagged. While you're snagged your lure or bait isn't in the water and you are decreasing your chances of catching fish.

• If you are releasing a snag, you will be scaring fish and adding frustration to your day.

• Increasing your casting ability creates instant confidence. Confidence is the most important factor in fishing.

You're TEN Casts Away From a Ten Pound BASS-Take This Test!

Here's the test every angler should take.

Take a lure or weight and rig it to your fishing pole. If you are using a lure, take off the hooks. Try to practice with a weight equal to what you would typically fish with.

Mark off 15-20 feet. Place a plate or frisbee on the ground. Step back and make ten casts. Keep track of how often you get the lure on the target.

Keep track of how many casts it takes you to hit the target? Imagine there is huge fish waiting under the target. Your chances of catching that fish dramatically decrease with each successive cast. The goal is to hit the target directly on the first cast, every time. If you can't do this, practice for a few weeks and it will become second nature. You'll catch more fish, guaranteed.

When Did you Hit the Target?

1st Cast: If you hit the target on the first cast, you can often generate a reaction strike. If you generate a reaction strike, almost any lure will cause a fish to strike. At this point the fish is often just reacting. Be ready to set your hook.

2nd Cast: You may be able to generate a reaction strike if you hit the target on this cast.

3rd Cast: You still have a shot at getting the fish, but you will most likely not generate a reaction strike.

4th Cast: If you haven't hit the target yet, you might be able to entice the fish to strike by using another method or lure.

5th Cast-10th Cast:

It is better to move on to a new location if you haven't hit the target by now. Although you may still get a strike, the fish is probably weary and will be harder to catch, even if it will take your lure.

Every time your cast lands off target, there is a good chance that you are scaring off wary fish. Instead of startling the fish and generating a reaction strike, you just scared it into not striking. Increase your accuracy, and you'll increase your confidence, and you'll catch more fish. Can you consistently hit a small target with a lure? Professional anglers know the importance of casting. They practice, and you should too!

Test #2 Catch Even More Fish

To dramatically increase the number of fish you catch, you will need to cast into structure, not around structure. This second test will simulate a fish holding in structure. If you hit any thing other than the target, you should consider yourself snagged. A snag that needs to be released by hand instantly drops your chances of catching fish in that area. If you have to unhook a snag, there is a good chance that you will scare of all the fish in a 20-30 foot radius. Work on your cast until you can hit the target without hitting the chair. Do this and you will catch more fish.

Take a chair and put it over the plate. Push the plate four inches back from the front legs of the chair. Cast ten times. How long did it take you to hit the target?

Most anglers practice their casting while they are fishing. If you want to increase your strikes by 50%, 60%, 70% or more, practice your casting at home and catch fish when you go fishing.

Michael Stead is the author of Fishing with a Fork: Secrets the Fishing Industry Doesn't Want you to Know. After being disappointed by countless lures and gimmicks that promised to catch fish, he started creating his own lures from ordinary household materials. He was shocked by his results. He is a teacher. He raises both trout and worms. For more information, he can be contacted at [http://www.fishingwithafork.com]

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