Fishing 4 idiots

Versus Country!

2008-03-21T13:37:00.003-04:00

Versus Country is back with Big Fish Madness, one of the biggest sportfishing event. And its bigger than ever!

Big Fish Madness is a bracket-style tournament available on VERSUS Country where 32 of the toughest of the tough will face off until just one fish is left swimming, taking home the title of the “World’s Toughest Gamefish”. Voting is open on www.versus.com/madness until March 27th and the winner will be decided on air in four nights of the most spectacular fishing action on television, March 27/28 and April 3/4 during primetime on VERSUS Country.

This should be a reel fun adventure. So tune in!

Fly fishing rod weights

2008-02-22T21:13:00.000-05:00

Fly fishing rod weights - General guide

1 - 3 weight

* small flies
* short casts

4 weight

* small to medium trout
* small to medium flies
* short to medium casts

5 - 6 weight

* excellent all around trout rod.
* Handles small to larger flies
* short to longer casts

7 - 8 weight

* long casts and windy conditions.
* 7 weight is a great compromise sized rod for trout and light saltwater

9 - 14 weight

* large freshwater fish
* salt water fishing
* large flies
* long casts in open areas.

Choosing a fly fishing rod

Choosing a fly rod to match your required fishing situation/s can be difficult at times, but there are some questions you can answer to make the decision easier.

What type of fly fishing will you be doing?
No one is going to argue with me when I tell them that a trout doesn't quite match the fight of a marlin or even a tuna. Before purchasing a fly rod think about what kind of fishing you will be doing with it the majority of the time. Whether it is saltwater, freshwater, maybe even a bit of both you will be able to find the rod that suits you for most situations. If you want to catch trout, but would also like to do some light saltwater sports fishing you can make a compromise by choosing an all-rounder rod instead of a specialist rod. If you plan on doing some very different fishing (eg. trout then marlin) you will need two different fly fishing rods.

What type of action do I need?
I will try to keep this simple

Slow action fly rod (full flex)

* Great for smaller fish and smaller rivers
* Enhances the fight of even the smallest trout
* Designed for short casts

Medium/Moderate action fly rods

* Good all round rod type for many different situations
* Make longer casts
* Additional strength in the rod for fighting the fish

Fast action fly rods

* Stiff - lots of fighting power
* Allows really long casts in any conditions
* Easier to cast (due to the stiffness)
* Generally not used for trout, but for saltwater fly fishing

Which material do I want?

Fiberglass - has some fans

* cheap
* heavier
* strong

Graphite - most popular

* light
* strong
* easy to cast
* more expensive

Bamboo - the original

* heaviest
* expensive
* handling and feeling is amazing

I hope this little article has helped you in some way. Remember that you will most likely be able to get away with one all round rob, but if the fly fishing bug bites you will eventually upgrade to 3 or 4 specific models for more specific situations.

Choosing the right fly line - tackle tips

2008-02-16T10:03:00.000-05:00

For new fly fishers choosing the right equipment can be a daunting task.

Matching the rod and line weight is a key feature of a balanced fly fishing system and the foundation of good casting. Casting power comes from the relationship of line to rod. When you pick up the line from the water, the line "loads" the rod by adding enough weight to flex it fully. Then, with a properly timed cast, the flexed rod straightens out, driving the line foreword.

Line taper

To help you cast more efficiently most fly lines are tapered. This taper varies in weight, diameter and thickness over the length of the line.

There are five main types of taper, each to meet a specific purpose

Weight-forward (WF) taper
These are the most popular and the best choice if you are a beginner
The first 30 feet or so of line is heavier because of its tapered front end
The rest of the line is thinner and is known as the running line
The weight-forward line helps with long casts and better precision even in windy conditions

Bass bug/saltwater (BBT) taper
This taper is much like the weight-forward design except that the front section does not run as long
This design helps with heavier flies, hence its use for catching feisty bass or bigger saltwater fish

Double taper (DT)
DT fly lines are preferred by seasoned fly anglers
These lines work especially well in making delicate presentations on small- to medium-size rives since the belly is at the center, with both ends gradually tapering
This makes the line highly economical too because when one end wears out, you can turn the line around and use the other end
This line won't cast as far or provide as much wind resistance as a weight-forward line

Shooting taper (ST)
ST lines cast farther than other lines so they are designed for fast-running rivers and in extreme wind conditions. The line portion (front section) is stout and short to form a casting loop.
Most anglers attach a shooting line on the running line using monofilament, braided line or a very fine diameter fly line

Level (L) taper
These lines are uniform in diameter throughout, making them the most economical
If you are a beginner don't try to save money this way. Level taper lines are the most difficult to cast so they really are best used by seasoned veterans, primarily for fly fishing with live bait.

Density

Floating (F) lines
These do as they say--they float on the water's surface
Floating lines are good for beginners since they are easier to cast and handle
Floating lines also are a must for dry flies, but they can also work with wet flies, nymphs and streamers that are fished several feet below the surface

Intermediate (I) lines
These are a little denser than water so they sink slowly to present a fly just below the water's surface
These lines work well in shallow, weedy lakes and in choppy waters where you want your line to stay below the choppiness

Sinking (S) lines
These lines do the opposite of floating lines--they sink
They are designed for deep lakes and deep, fast-flowing rivers
Some manufacturers also put a Roman numeral after the S to show how fast their line sinks in inches per second. For example, an S II line sinks about two inches per second
These lines are best for wet flies, nymphs and streamers at a constant depth

Floating/Sinking (F/S) lines
These combine the two characteristics--the five foot-- to twenty foot tip or front portion sinks to present the bait while the balance of line floats on the water
Manufacturers display the depth and speed that the front part of the line sinks
This floating/sinking line gets your fly down while helping you maintain control, so it's good for fish such as salmon.

sourced from www.troutlet.com

Fishing 4cast

2008-01-31T20:19:00.001-05:00

I am not going to be able to get February's 4cast up for awhile, maybe 3-4 days, maybe more maybe less. Sorry about that delay. You can always go to www.gulffishing.com for the 4cast.
Thanks for the continued support of my website.
Alex

Fishing report's tip

2008-01-31T19:26:00.000-05:00

Two tide days this weekend could make for some slow fishing, but the big negative low tide early in the morning and some warmer weather will consolidate and make fish hungry and could make for some great pothole action on the flats.

Fishing Report for 1-4

2008-01-31T19:18:00.000-05:00

OFFSHORE

Action for grouper has been scattered in the Gulf. Reports of keeper gags coming from southwest of Egmont Key in 80-feet of water for red grouper were noted, but gags were caught just north of the Ship’s Channel, north of Egmont as well in water half that depth. Water temperatures have been moderate with little extremes, holding in the low 60’s, and for grouper, that will help keep them from running to the deeper water to hang.

The bait situation has gotten more difficult for guys looking for some Spanish sardines, threadfin herring, or whitebait. Pinfish have been about the most consistently available live bait. Frozen cigar minnow, squid, octopus, threadfins, and sardines should be in the cooler for a day’s trip. A visit to the bait shop for a couple dozen live shrimp might also be part of your bait stop. Don’t limit yourself to just one or two choices. A stop in most any of the deeper channels on your way out should be part of your bait gathering time. A light spinning rod with 10-pound line and 30-pound leader with a chartreuse or white jig tied on for ladyfish will yield some fine grouper bait. Chunking ladyfish into bite size bits about 3-inches long and rigged on a circle hook bottom rig will do wonders to get grunts, triggerfish, snappers, and other small bottom dwellers chewing while big grouper appetites build. Give each stop at least 30-minutes to fire off before deciding to move. Wherever you are fishing, make sure you’ve got lines in the water between 9 and 11 a.m. and 2 and 4 p.m. for this weekend’s major and minor solunar periods.

Capt. Bob Smith out of New Pass in Sarasota has been having a great time catching black sea bass on the shallow rocky bottom areas surrounding the artificial reefs off Sarasota. While he has to cull through dozens of short grouper and snapper, the mild, white fillets of the black sea bass he’s catching make the effort worthwhile for him. Smith can be reached through his website, www.sarasota-fla-fishing.com for information.

Grouper diggers should be aware of the month-long closure coming up beginning February 15 and be alert for possible changes in bag limits and closures. Stay tuned to Florida Sportsman Magazine Radio Live for the latest developments.

INSHORE

Trout anglers in the North Region of the state will see a month long closure beginning February 1. The imaginary line drawn at the Pinellas/ Pasco County line is the dividing line between the north and south. Fred Howard Park is the noted landmark for the line. Trout are a big staple for guides and anglers in that area, however, they will have to pursue other fish like sheepshead, mangrove snapper, flounder, and redfish during the closure. Cobia around the Anclote power plant can be an option on very cold days but are not consistent. Guides like Capt. William Toney, fishing out of MacRae’s of Homosassa, have had trouble finding fishable days, with high winds and cold weather being the problem. On the better days, Toney is finding a few reds near the mouth of the Chassahowitzka and Homosassa Rivers, plus some good sheepshead and trout action, but effort with the trout closure will be diverted to other species.

To the south, captains Rick Grassett, Jack Ryan, and Jim Klopfer, fishing out of CB Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key near Sarasota are finding a mixed bag of fish in the bay. Grassett’s anglers caught trout, reds, bluefish, and ladyfish on fly rods while fishing Big Sarasota Pass and the western shoreline of lower Sarasota Bay. Jack Ryan’s anglers worked Mann’s Hardnose soft plastic baits on quarter-ounce jig heads and caught Spanish mackerel and bluefish in Big Pass, New Pass, and on the Sarasota Bay Middlegrounds. While fishing live shrimp, Ryan’s group also bagged redfish, sheepshead to 4-pounds, jacks, and some legal trout on the incoming tide. Jim Klopfer’s anglers scored pompano, bluefish, Spanish macks, and ladyfish off the south tip of Lido Park on Cotee Jigs. The north side of Siesta Key produced sheepshead to 4-pounds, mangrove snapper, gag and red grouper, and black sea bass on live shrimp. Another trip produced some jacks, black drum, reds, and sheepshead around docks and oyster beds near Phillippi Creek on freelined live shrimp.

In Terra Ceia Bay, Paulette Barrett and Lynn Manzella with the Old Salt Fishing Foundation fished with me. We landed trout, flounder, redfish, and snook on CAL Jigs with Shad tails during the Old Salt Johnny Keller Tournament that benefited All Children’s Hospital.

All about tides

2008-01-19T20:27:00.000-05:00

Understanding the tides helps you know when to fish. Just like people, fish have active periods and rest periods. Unlike people, fish's actives are determined by the tides. The tide tells the fish when to be on the move for food and when to rest. Because fish don't have eyelids, they cannot close their eyes to rest. Instead, most species remain inactive during certain tides.
Tides are up-and-down movements of the oceans caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun on the Earth. As the tide rises and falls, water flows in and out of bays, feeding behavior in fish. Whereas tidal changes have little effect far offshore and are of no concern to anglers who venture there in boats, tides are of the utmost importance when fishing inshore waters.
In most locations, the tide changes 4 times a day, resulting in 2 high tides and 2 low tides. Low tide occurs roughly 6 hours after high tide. At the end of each rising and falling tide, there is a period called 'slack tide', when there is little or no current, or movement of water, in or out of the bays, harbors, and estuaries. Slack tide usually lasts 2.75 to 3 hours, although it varies with location.
Published tide tables, such as those found in local newspapers, are general approximations. A strong wind from offshore can create a high tide sooner than predicted. When the wind is blowing against the incoming tide, the opposite occurs.
During slack tide, most saltwater predator fish that frequent inshore waters rest and do not seek food. Slack tide, therefore, is usually an unproductive time to fish inshore-which isn't to say that it's not worth a try. For example, anglers who like to be on the water at the very beginning of a tidal change often find themselves on the water during a slack tide. By presenting the proper bait, along with chumming or chunking, it is possible to provoke fish into feeding during a slack tide.
A rising tide is referred to as a 'flood tide'; a falling tide is called an 'ebb tide'. The change in water level is determined by the phase of the moon and the relative positions of the Earth, the moon and the sun.
Each month, the moon goes though 4 phases: new moon, first quarter, full moon, and last quarter (aka: third quarter). The new moon and the full moon occur when the moon, sun, and Earth are in a nearly direct line with one another. This increases the overall gravitational pull on the Earth, which causes relatively high high tides and relatively low low tides. These extreme tides are called 'spring tides', which has nothing to do with the season.
During the first quarter moon and the last quarter moon, the moon, sun, and Earth form the points of a triangle, with the Earth at the apex. This arrangement generates less gravitational pull on the earth, causing relatively low high tides and relatively high low tides. These more moderate tides are called 'neap tides'. Naturally, currents are stronger during spring tides than during neap tides.

Using the tide to Catch Fish
When the tide begins to ebb, the current forces baitfish into deeper water, concentrating them into smaller areas and making them easy prey for larger predator fish. The ebb tide thus trggers the predators' feeding instinct. Flood tides also trigger the feeding instinct and predator fish lie in wait for baitfish to flow into the mouths of inlets, bays, harbors, and estuaries or along the surf. Fishing action subsides during slack tides because baitfish disperse themselves, seeking shelter from predators. There are exceptions, but this is what happens with each ebb and flood tide for most areas on the East and West coasts and in the Gulf of Mexico.
As a rule of thumb, the best fishing takes place 1.5 to 2 hours after the ebb and flood tides begin. Tide tables appear daily in many newspapers, my website :), and many tackle shops give them away. Read them for the approximate times, but remember that weather conditions can make the tides occur earlier or later than "scheduled," and not all fish feed during a rising or falling tide.

Getting Started with fly fishing

2008-01-12T11:21:00.000-05:00

Fly fishing is a fishing technique that has been used for a very long time. In a nutshell fly fishing uses an artificial lure that looks like a real insect to lure the fish to bite. The success with this method of fishing has made fly fishing extremely popular in fishing circles and is ideal for you if you are just starting to fish.

Your artificial fly floats on top of the water, mimicking the movement of a real bug, waiting for the fish to bite. Artificial flies come in many shapes and sizes. Dragonflies, grasshoppers, mayfly and stonefly are very popular. The flies look lifelike and can easily fool fish and most people. An alternative to the insect type is to use a lure that resembles eggs. Real eggs rise to the surface to hatch. The artificial eggs lure lies just below the surface of the water. You tend to catch more fish with these lures but it is a little harder than using regular fly fishing lures.

You can use the fly fishing method in saltwater or freshwater. Commonly, in freshwater you will catch mainly trout or salmon. In saltwater there are a variety of marine life that may be caught such as tarpon. Unfortunately with fly fishing it is impossible to control what may bite. Many fly fishermen have found themselves with a little surprise as they reel in their catch. Occasionally they will end up with a chub or beam. But just like any other sport, an element of luck plays a big part in fly fishing.

Fly fishing has become a very popular sport and there are many fly fishing competitions held all over the world. These competitions typically net a decent cash payout and all the bragging rights you can stand. But the main attraction is the catching of fish within a set time limit.

Fly-fishing is a great sport that your whole family can partake and enjoy. It is very peaceful and relaxing to wait patiently for the fish to bite. More so because you can actually see what is going on, since the artificial fly is on top of the water, you can watch as it bobs. What other sport is relaxing, challenging, is not restricted to a season, and can provide food for the family. That is why fly fishing has been around for such a long time.

5 tips for Success

2008-01-10T18:41:00.000-05:00

5 Tips for Success

“5 Tips for Success” is an article on how to improve your technique and knowledge on saltwater fishing.

1. I hear too many people saying “Whenever you get a bite, automatically jerk it up, to get it hooked.” I can’t stress enough that is not true. When you get a bite, just wait ‘till you get some tension then jerk up. I say this because, the fish could be biting on the other side, where the hook isn’t, then all you’re doing is scaring your catch away. And if you get some tension and you miss it, don’t reel it in all the way, because the fish might still be interested in your bait. So this proves that fishing does take patience.

2. Is Free lining good or is it bad? So many people have asked me that. And other people say what does “Free lining” even mean? Well free lining means to use no weight at all. I would suggest doing this if you are a wader or an inshore angler. I would say doing this because it presents the bait more naturally to the fish. Eg; When you cast, the bait doesn’t go strait down with a weight, rather is will float down with the current. And without the weight it will drift a long the current, where the fish are going. So why don’t you try free lining 1 time?

3. Boats can create noises, spooking fish, where waves slap against the hull. People moving around in a boat can create pressure waves coming away from the boat, alerting fish to your presence. Being able to cast great distances can get your lure or bait away from the boat, giving you an advantage over a shorter cast when fishing out of a boat. For maximum casting distance, consider using one of the ultra thin braided lines such as Power Pro. This thin line has virtually no memory, is far thinner than its monofilament pound test equivalent, and casts creating very little friction going through the eyelets of your rod. All of these factors translate into longer casts. You may also consider using a longer rod, perhaps 7’6”, for extra distance. If you prefer mono, be sure the spool is filled to within 1/8” of the rim of the spool. For even longer casts, consider dropping down in size of your mono line because thinner line casts farther. That long cast just may help you with catching a fish.

4. When you see seagulls hovering over the water, this means there are normally fish in that area. In order not to scare the fish, do not use your big motor when you get near the seagulls. Instead set up a drift or work your trolling motor as you get near or next to the seagulls in order not to scare the fish.

5. Just have fun fishing. Fishing is not a ‘who can do it better’ game. Just go out there and enjoy the beautiful weather.

Fly fishing intro

2008-01-08T18:11:00.000-05:00

Here is a fly fishing introduction. What I am talking about in this article will be the Pros. and Cons. of fly fishing. I hope you like it! Please click on the read more link...

Fly fishing, as a beginner.
Fly fishing has there up and down’s. And it does take time to master. As most angler’s would say, there is a lot more skill in it than just plain ‘ol fishing. The casting is different, the ‘bait’ is different, the line is different, and almost everything is different. Except for catching the big one. I would say fly fishing is more challenging, because of how you have to present the fly. I will go into the Pros. And Cons. And getting over the learning curve.

Pros:
Some of the pros I would say are: more challenging, more exhilarating, don’t have to change the bait as much, and in my opinion more fun! Of course fly fishing takes an ‘acquired taste’, meaning you don’t just automatically like it. I though I was going to automatically love it, and my after my first lesson, I came out almost let down. But as I practiced more, and more, I got better, and better.

Cons:
Fly fishing has as just as many cons, as it does pros. Some of which can include (but not limited to): takes long to master, more wrist strength, less amount of catches, takes more concentrating, costly. But as you get better you can get rid of some of these. These problems can and will always pop up on you, even when you’re a pro fly fishermen. Like I said, practice makes perfect.

So in a nutshell, fly fishing can be fun, challenging, and problematic all at the same time. Once you try fly fishing, you will most likely be ‘hooked’ on it. There is no going back. If you are trying to save your money, then I wouldn’t start up fly fishing, as the equipment is expensive. I hope this introduction to fly fishing has given you somewhat of an experience of what fly fishing is like!

Fly fishing! ;)

2008-01-07T20:52:00.000-05:00

I will be starting on a new section just about saltwater fly fishing. Some of the things will include; Tips, flies, casting, techniques and more. I just took fly fishing up 2 weeks ago and so I am still learning just like you. So what ever I learn I will post on here...

I might create another blog just on fly tying. As I also am going to take a class on fly tying. So this will be another reason for you to visit my blog! ;) Don't worry I will post that I updated a fly pattern whenever I learn one. I will post how-to pictures on this site. And I might also post youtube videos. Don't expect this blog to be up for about a month. As it will be 'under construction.'

And If you have any questions/comments or suggestions please shoot me an email. I would love suggestions for topics either on saltwater fly fishing or just regular fishing. (Fishing4idiots) And I will probably post my first fly fishing post within a few days. And I will also do something with regular S.Fishing. (Saltwater fishing.)

Thanks a lot for the support and for reading! Hope to hear back from you!
Alex

January's Calender

2008-01-05T10:05:00.000-05:00

I am sorry for the late delay in posting, but here it is! This is just for the Florida Gulf, as I live in it :P

Fishing 4cast's

2008-01-01T10:44:00.000-05:00

I have got the new and updated fishing 4casts for January. And for this year a special treat. I will give you the Tide Tables for every month in addition to the 4cast. I hope you find them useful also. ;)

For Florida Gulf 4cast and adjustment times click here.

For North Gulf 4cast and adjustment times click here.

For West Gulf 4cast and adjustment times click here.

And just in case you were wondering I got this from Gulf Coast Fisherman. It is a very helpful fishing magazine, and it has 3months of fishing4casts. And 6months of calenders, so help out Gulf coast and subscribe for them. Believe me you will like it!
Thanks and happy new year!
Alex

More tips part 3!

2007-12-30T19:15:00.000-05:00

Remember the the 'random tips' chapter posts? Well here is the last part of it. :)

Sight Fishing
When fishing the flats always make sure to look for tailing fish in shallow water. Most of the time you can spot these fish before you catch them.

Deep Sea fishing tip
Next time anybody goes out deep sea fishing do this it works. Take a coke can and cut a strip out about 1/2 in wide and 4 inches long pop a hole in it and have the deckhands slip it on your line and then tie your hook. You guessed it a spinner but when you are a few miles out this works. My dad and I were selling these on the boat for a 1.00 because nobody could figure out what they were.....lol. But we caught more fish than anyone so next time you go take this tip and bring the Icy Hot b/c you will need it that night.

bottom baits
bottom feeders can't resist these powersbaits sandworms, squid, sand eel, clams and other shellfish

Trolling tip
When you locate a school of fish while trolling, slow down while you turn around and into the school. The fishing rods on the inside of the turn drop deeper into the water, while the rods on the outside of the turn rise. Basically, you end up covering more area and keeping your baits in front of the fish longer

Well I hope you liked them and found them useful.. They are shot, sweet and to the point!

Fishing Log

2007-12-28T08:19:00.001-05:00

Keeping a fishing log is like putting a giant jigsaw puzzle together. One piece of the puzzle doesn’t give much to go on. Fishing is not an exact science, but the more information you have at hand, based on past experience, the better equipped you are to consistently find fish that are feeding. Anglers can learn much from logging their catch data and other pertinent information about their fishing trips.
Useful information might include, but not be limited to barometric pressure-- steady, high-rising, low- falling, etc., tide levels in feet and tenths of feet, plus tide direction, i.e., incoming, changing, out-going, etc., moon phases, wind direction and velocity, cloud cover, i.e., overcast, cloudy, sunny, etc., fish caught and where, on what time of the tide, water temperature, water clarity, and more. Perhaps the best tool for maintaining your log is the use of the Florida Sportsman Fishing Planner. This has the tides and moon phases on the planner, and all you need to add are the other bits and pieces to the puzzle to help you sort out the big picture, and these puzzle parts could just help you catch more fish.

Winter Solstice

2007-12-21T20:23:00.001-05:00

Winter strike zones shrink as water temperatures drop. The colder the water for most species, the smaller the strike zone, making it even more important for an “in your face” presentation. Baitfish continually swim, with brief periods of stopping. The problem with most baitfish imitations is that they only look natural when they’re moving. As soon as they’re stopped, they sink to the bottom and lay on their sides…not so with a shrimp. In nature, shrimp sit on the bottom, bury in the mud or grass, and basically do nothing. They’re not swimming most the time like most baitfish, but do drift with the current. Artificial shrimp, like those from DOA Lures can mimic this crustacean to the letter. This bait can stay in the strike zone as long as desired, giving fish an opportunity to eat it. Some new suspending baitfish imitations like the Rapala Twitchin’ Rap and the MirrOlure MirrOdine and MirrOminnow can be worked slowly enough and “hover” in the water column for a similar presentation, making them effective winter canal baits. Try one of these baits in the winter and you may find that you’ll catch more fish.

Hooks Part 5

2007-12-19T17:08:00.000-05:00

Buying, Handling, and Sharpening Hooks
Hooks are sold in bulk packages of from 10 to a hundred hooks or more, or in packages of 4 to 6 snelled hooks. Leave the hooks in the package until you need them, to keep them safe and neat and to keep the points from becoming dull. Packages of snelled hooks fit nicely in a tackle box. Keep them there, and don't let them get in a tangled mess.
The quality of a fishhook can be determined by its finish. Inexpensive hooks have a 'blued' finish and are made from carbon steel. They are used primarily for freshwater fishing and should be avoided for use on saltwater. Saltwater fishing requires materials with greater resistance to corrosion, such as nickel- or bronze-plated alloys or stainless steel. These cost slightly more than carbon steel hooks, but not too much more. Even among the superior alloys, there are differences. Hooks made from drawn wire are less expensive but not as strong as forged hooks.
Better hooks last longer and retain their sharp points longer than their less expensive counterparts. Some points are chemically sharpened; these cannot be mechanically sharpened when they get dull. Most hooks, however, can be sharpened by passing a sharpening stone or a hook hone along the sides of the barb and the point. This takes only a few seconds.
To check a hook's sharpness, don't try to poke yourself, rather rest the point of the hook at a 45-degree angle against your thumbnail, facing away from the cuticle. While applying pressure, move the point forward. If it grabs hold of the tubumnail, it's sharp enough. If it doesn't grab, it need to be sharpened.

I hope I have helped you understand hooks more now!

Hooks Part 4

2007-12-19T16:56:00.000-05:00

Shank Characteristics
J hooks are manufactured with short or long shanks. Long-shank hooks are used for sharp-toothed fish, such as bluefish and mackerel, allowing the fish to bite the shank and not the leader. They are also used for fish that suck in their food, such as winter flounder. The long shank makes removing the hook easier.

A long-shank hook provides room for the bait to be placed along the shank, which makes for better presentation of the bait and in most cases ensures that the bait will not fall off. A worm or fish can be stretched out along the whole length of the shank, looking much more natural than if it were curled around the bend of the hook.
Short-shank hooks are used with smaller pieces of cut bait or shrimp, because the hook can be more effectively hidden within the bait. Short-shank hooks take up little space in the tackle box and can be easily removed from smaller fish that do not inhale their food.
Some J hooks have bait barbs on the shank, which prevent the lager pieces of bait from sliding into a ball at the bend of the hook. Where natural bait presentation is important, these barbs are most helpful.

Hooks Part 3

2007-12-15T21:48:00.001-05:00

Sorry for the lateness for the post. Well here it is hope you enjoy!!

If you're accustomed to J hooks, using circle hooks involves some adjustment. Instead of setting the hook by sharply pulling back on the rod, apply steady pressure on the line, bringing it in evenly and slowly. Avoid jerking the rod to prevent pulling the hook from the fish's mouth.
Packaged snelled hooks have monofilament or wire leader attached. The strength of the leader can range from 3o-to-80 pound test and above, and leader length varies considerably. The leader has a loop at the end opposite the hook, making tying on quick and easy. Snelled hooks are available in J and C hooks.
Some anglers snell their own hooks, buying their hooks in bulk, and the leader material separately. Although snelling a hook takes a little longer, it's not difficult. (See under TOC 'Knots' for a website on how to tie a snell.)
Most fishing lures have one or more sets of treble, or 3-pointed, hooks. These range in size from #6 through 8/0. Treble hooks are strong and can withstand abuse, but they require much care in hangling, especially when you attempt to remove the lure from a hooked fish.
Manufacturers put treble hooks on lures to improve the hook-up ratio, based on the logical theory that 3 points are than 1. But some anglers (like me) replace treble hooks with J hooks for safety and convenience. Switching them is simple because the hooks are held onto the lure with split rings, which can be pried open easily. Wheather you keep the treble hooks or replace them is a matter of personal preference.

I bet you didn't think hooks could be this complicated, did ya?? I am hoping I am helping you understand hooks better. And I will have 2 more parts; Part 4 is on Shank Characteristics and part 5 is on Sharpening Hooks.

Listen Now button.

2007-12-12T20:48:00.000-05:00

Remember me saying awhile back on my post Little Changes, about the Odiogo button? Well I finally got it up and running. I explained what it does clearly on my post, Little Changes, but I will just briefly refresh your memory.
Pretty much it is a text-to-speech widget. Just press Listen Now, and it should start playing. It will go through the intro, then it will literally read the post to you. I felt like installing this because it looked cool. Also I have been posting some long articles and thought it would be handy if you wanted it to read to you while you read along with it. And like I said on my previous post, you can download it as a mp3 to 'take along' with you on your Ipod or mp3 player. Read Little Changes on how to do that.
If and when you press the Listen Now and says 'Sorry, this article is not available yet' then do fret it will be up to date soon. Check back within the hour.

Also I will be making one more change by the time Christmas comes, or a little bit after. And what I am going to do is make a Read More button. What I mean by this is than you will only see a summary on the front page, and you'll have to click the Read More.. button to read the rest of the post. I wanted to add this so it doesn't look so messy on the front page. And as always Amanda and BloggerBuster will be helping me on this. She is so helpful.. See her for any help on web design or widgets.

Hooks Part 2

2007-12-12T19:44:00.000-05:00

Hook Size
Fishhook size is designated numerically. Below a certain size, the lager the number, the small the hook. A number 10 hook, therefore, is smaller than a number 4 hook of the same style. Hooks larger than the number 1 use a different system, however. A number followed by a slash and a zero indicates a large hook, and the numbers increase with the hook size. Thus, a number 5/0 hook is lager than a 2/0 hook, which is larger than a number 10 hook.
The thickness of the hook in any given size should also be considered. A thin hook will penetrate more easily than a thick hook. If you're having trouble setting the hook, chances are that the hook is too thick for the targeted species, so use a thinner hook of the same size.

Hook Designs
There are 3 basic hook designs: conventional J hooks; circle, or C, hooks; and and treble hooks. J and C hooks are used primarily with bait; treble hooks are found on most saltwater plugs and lures. J and C hooks are available as snelled hooks of just regular 'ol hooks.
J Hooks which range in size from a number 8 to a huge 8/0 for saltwater species, have been used with natural bait for hundreds of years. They work well for most species of fish and are preferred by recreational saltwater anglers. The J hook requires a solid pull of the rod to set it in a fish's mouth.
Circle hooks, sometimes referred to as C hooks, are basically round, but the point is bent around 90 degrees from the shank. Unlike the situation with a J hook, a fish tends to lip-hook itself when it bites onto a circle hook and is much less likely to 'throw' the hook and escape. Circle hooks grab the corner of a fish's mouth and hold firmly until the fish is landed, and thus have an excellent hook-up ratio. This self-setting performance has made this the hook of choice for commercial longline fishermen for years. Circle hooks are becoming quite popular with saltwater hook-and-release anglers because they are easily removed with little if any injury to the fish. Circle hooks are not available in small sizes though. They start at number 4 and go up to 15/0 and even larger.

To be continued..........................

Hooks part 1.

2007-12-10T18:23:00.000-05:00

When you're fishing on salt water, you never know what species of fish you may encounter. You might be fishing for Fluke and get a bluefish. If you have a decent assortment of hooks in your tackle box, it's a small mater to change your terminal rig to "accommodate" the bluefish.
Hooks are chosen according to the size and species of fish targeted the type of bait used, and the method of fishing. There is no formula for selecting the right hook because there are many variables, including the size of the fish's mouth, its strength as a swimmer, its method of fighting, and the way it goes about grabbing bait. But as a rule of thumb, the larger the fish, the larger the hook. Most anglers do just fine with a few hooks of different sizes that are appropriate to the most common species of fish in the area where they're fishing. Don't be shy about asking at the tackle shop what kinds of hook work well.

Hook Selection
Consider the size of the fish's mouth when selecting a hook. The fish has to be able to get the bait into its mouth, and the bait should be large enough to cover most of the hook. A hook that is too large means too much bait for the fish, or a lot of exposed metal that the fish may not like the looks of. On the other hand, small hooks don't hold big fish very well. Conversely, if the hook is too small, the fish may swallow it, making its removal almost impossible.
The correct hook is the smallest one that is strong enough to land the desired fish. The smaller and lighter the hook, the less visible it will be to the fish and the more likely it will present the bait in a natural manner.

Next Hook section, will be about Hook Size and I will also get into some of the Hook Designs. I plan to have 3 maybe 4 parts.

Chumming Part 2

2007-12-06T20:14:00.000-05:00

How To Chum
Chum pots are available in many sizes. Most have lead ends so the pot will sink quickly and large-mesh screened sides to allow the chum to pass through easily. After Chum is placed in the pot, strong but lightweight line is attached to the eyelet, the pot is lowered to the desired depth, and the line is secured to a cleat on the boat or a piling on a pier. Mesh bags are messier to use but work just as effectively. Some anglers place several sinkers in the bottom of the bag to keep it upright when it's hanging in the water column or resting on the bottom. To keep fish within a close radius of a boat, some anglers use 2 pots or bags-one at the stern and one at the bow.
Shake the chum pot at intervals, or bounce it on the bottom to loosen the contents and allow them to flow freely. Maintain a constant slick to keep the fish within hook distance. Once you've started chumming, don't slack off and allow the slick to disperse. If you're fishing with a buddy, share the work. Periodically, you'll have to refill the container.
With practice and experience, you'll know how much chum to use. Too little will not release enough scent while too much will essentially provide them with a meal and reduce their desire to take a hook or lure.

Some anglers prefer to grind their own chum. This is a good way to reduce costs, and it's a good use of fish that you catch but don't intend to eat. Place scrap fish parts, small chunks of cut fish, squid, shucked clams or mussels-almost any form of sea life-and old dry pet food into a blender and mix until you achieve the desired consistency. To preserve domestic harmony, don't use the family blender; invest in one that you reserve only for chum.
After preparing the chum, place it in the plastic freezer bags and freeze it for later use. If you can't reserve a freezer exclusively for these packages, you may with to double- or even triple-bag them. When you're ready to use them, empty the frozen chunks directly into the chum pot. They'll disperse bits of chum as they thaw in the seawater. It's best to take the bags out of the freezer a few hours in advance to give them a chance to soften but not thaw entirely.

This is the end of Chumming. I hope you found this informative. Thanks again for visiting. And please refer. Thanks and happy holidays!!!

Controlled Depth

2007-12-06T19:56:00.001-05:00

Controlled depth fishing with lures is a method of getting baits at the same level fish are holding. Because the water column can be a very broad range, fishing somewhere in between the top and bottom might require special equipment. Downriggers are the most precise tools to lower baits to a given level. Planers, depending on the size and line diameter used to pull them, will also take baits below the surface within a certain depth range for each size planer. Covering the water column with a variety of lures fished at different depths is a sure way to locate fish. It gives you the opportunity to present your lures to more fish. That will ultimately help you catch more fish.