Archive for the Category ◊ Fishing ◊

Author: admin
• Friday, January 02nd, 2009

Those who love fun vacations have no shortage of options for great family trips, both throughout the US and abroad. You will easily find recreational activities that everyone will love. However, for the fishing enthusiast, nothing beats an expedition on the spell-binding Alaskan waters.

If you love rainbow trout fishing, Alaska is the place to go. The water is clear, the fish are jumping at your hooks and the scenery is absolutely stunning.

However, prior to heading out on a major fishing expedition, please read on for some ideas and hints that will help your fishing trip go as smoothly as possible.

Be Aware of Your Fishing Seasons

Rainbow trout season in Alaska runs from June 15 to Oct 31 - however where the trout are running depends on the year and the river you select. For more information, you can ask your guide to help you find the best trout fishing spots, or you can consult the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

A Guide by Your Side

Hiring a guide will not only help keep you safe, but will also save your fishing trip. A guide can do a lot more than provide equipment and help you to navigate the Alaska waters - they can also point you to the best-kept secret fishing spots for rainbow trout fishing. Alaska guides need to be licensed, so always look for a qualified and registered individual.

Ideally, you want a guide who provides you with equipment, safety gear, accommodations, supplies and experience. Some recommended and locally respected companies include Puffin Alaska Fishing Charters, Alaska NW Charters, and Alaska Outdoor Adventures.

Before you book a guide or lodge, though, always take the time to speak with your “candidate” guide on the phone. Get a feel for their style, personality and fishing philosophy. While experience and skill are important, remember that you’ll potentially be spending days in a boat with this person, and compatibility is critical.

Acquire a Fishing License

An experienced guide should arrange your license for you. Alternatively, you can buy your own license online and directly from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. The rates for a non-state resident are $20 for one day, $35 for three days, $55 for 7 days, $80 for 14 days and $145 for an annual fishing license.

There are certain state regulations in place in Alaska that forbid the wasting of fish, the sale of sport-caught fish and the type of equipment or tools that can be used during the fishing process. For more information on these rules and regulations, you can call or visit the Fish and Game website.

Pack Smart

Typically, your guide or lodge will supply you with your gear and equipment for fishing. However, you may have to bring your own waders or certain small supplies. Before you depart, you should ask your lodge or guide to supply you with a packing list that’s season specific. Regardless, when packing for Alaska, you need to be prepared for any weather system.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Category: Fishing  | Leave a Comment
Author: admin
• Friday, December 19th, 2008

Aquarium can be set in the living room or in your beautiful garden. This aquarium can decorate your home or your garden. It can also facilitate you to decrease your blood pressure and provides a feeling of triumph.

Aquarium can raise your blood pressure if you find that the fish remain floating on the surface of the water. So, in order to shun this dreadful situation, you can learn about the most general mistakes that anyone can make in maintaining aquarium. This article will give you briefly details about that.

Don’t Overstock

Most people frequently stuff as many fish as possible in their aquarium. in fact, you can not do that stupid thing if you don’t want your fish die breathless. In most of the pet stores, the fish may be cramped, but they have solution to keep their fish alive. So, don’t try to do the same thing at home.

It is as the pet stores frequently have double filtration systems for the fish and the fish are frequently to move out when they are sold. So, if you still want to keep your fish alive, then you must not do that thing at home.

The safest rule to tag on is giving four gallons in your aquarium to each fish, assuming the fish are only an inch long each (excluding tail fins). The rule used to be one gallon per inch of fish. That rule can be found in lots of older aquarium care books, but it has since verified to be unreliable. Furthermore, your 20 gallon tank doesn’t hold 20 gallons of water, and there are also plants, gravel, and decorations. As a consequences, you can have at the most five fish in a twenty gallon tank.

Don’t Overfeed

Although there are lots of scientists that claim aquarium fish are stupid, they’re all gain the intelligence enough to beg, and they are really good at it. But you must remind that feeding the fish too much is very bad for their health. A fish that eats too much will be a fish that passes out a lot of waste. This will ruin your filtration system and also the chemical composition of the aquarium water.

The broad rule is not to feed more than your fish can eat in about three minutes. If they are bottom feeding fish or shy fish, then you can give it ten or fifteen minutes. This broad rule can be learned by doing it. It seems like you’re hardly feeding your fish at all, but they have tiny stomachs and need only a little bit of food.

Get the Biggest Tank that You Can Afford

Another mistake is that people frequently think that smaller aquariums are easier to keep than the larger one. But in fact, smaller tank likelys to get dirty very fast and it will need daily maintenance. The bigger aquarium with the ideal amount of fish will consequences in the less maintenance it will be required.

As there are more and more people who love to keep the fish by having aquarium in their home, you must be careful of some things that may be risked for fish. It is main to learn about how to treat your fish in order to save your fish.

Does that answer your question? For further explanation about aquarium you can find the complete guide here!

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Author: admin
• Monday, December 08th, 2008

Fishing trips may be taking a back seat to fine restaurants and pulsing nightlife, but Miami fishing charter boat captains are still enjoying steady business. With the Gulf Stream so close, anglers can enjoy a fishing expedition catching grouper, tuna, dolphins, kingfish and more.

If you’re going to be in Miami area and want to book a deep-sea fishing experience, your best bet is to visit the area’s top four marinas - Crandon Park, Haulover Beach, Miami Beach and Bayside Marketplace. For an overview of each, keep reading.

Crandon Park Marina

The Crandon Park Marina is home to some of the best charter boat captains and fishing guides in the area. The marina has an international reputation for Miami fishing charter boat companies that offer high quality service and guaranteed catches. It’s located at 4000 Crandon Blvd, and charters typically cost around $700 for a full day or $500 for a half day.

The Haulover Beach Park Marina

Like the Crandon Park Marina, Haulover Beach Park is home base for multiple charter companies. The marina lays claim to the largest charter and drift-fishing fleet in South Florida. You can reach the marina in Haulover Beach Park at 108000 Collins Ave, Sunny Isles, Miami Beach or by phone at 305-947-3525.

Haulover Beach Marina is busy, with numerous boats to choose from, but recommended charters include the Helen C, Haulover Charter Company and the Kelley Fleet.

The Miami Beach Marina

The majority of boats docked at the Miami Beach Marina are private vessels, but there are a number of private fishing charters. Recommended captains and fleets include Miami Beach Charters, the Reward Fleet and the Sissy Bay.

To find the Miami Beach Marina, just take a stroll down the MacArthur Causeway or call them at (305) 673-6000.

Bayside Marketplace

Like the Miami Beach Marina, the Bayside Marketplace is a mix of private boats, commercial vessels and private fishing charter companies. Laid-back angles might prefer the more relaxed atmosphere and low-pressure sales pitch. The marketplace is 5 minutes from Miami Beach and just 20 minutes from Fort Lauderdale.

Average Costs

For a private Miami fishing charter boat, you can expect to pay between $450 and $500 for a 4-5 hour day. Passage can also be booked on party boats or group vessels for as little as $30.

However, you may find that many boats are raising their prices as the cost of gas skyrockets, so be prepared to pay anywhere from $50 to $100 in fuel surcharges for a private charter.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Category: Fishing  | Leave a Comment
Author: admin
• Sunday, November 30th, 2008

If a fishing venture or fishing trip in the beauty of Alaska isn’t your gig but you love your time as an angler on the water, then how about a fishing expedition at the other end of the U.S. in Florida?.

Fort Lauderdale sport fishing is one of the area’s biggest tourism generators. Because Fort Lauderdale and its nearby suburbs provides both saltwater and freshwater fishing, anglers can enjoy a deep sea experience, leisurely fly fishing or even bottom fishing.

The area is teeming with fishing charter companies and crews that can change every year. For the best experience, check out the resources below to find up-to-date referrals and fishing information.

The IGFA (International Game Fish Association) - World Fishing Center

The World Fishing Center, run by the IGFA (International Game Fish Association) is an incredible 3-acre park, museum and library that’s also home to a virtual reality sport fishing simulator. Anglers can practice reeling in a computer-generated catch, browse the library resources or even find a list of recommended local guides and charter companies.

You can visit the World Fishing Center daily between 10am and 6pm, or you can call them at 1-954-927-2628 and ask to speak with a librarian. The IGFA has a website at igfa.org. The site even lets you search for IGFA-certified captains in the Fort Lauderdale area.

Fort Lauderdale’s Hall of Fame Marina

Located on Seabreeze Boulevard, the Hall of Fame Marina is packed with charter fishing boat companies, offering a range of choice and packages for your Fort Lauderdale sport fishing experience. It’s possible to book ahead with your hotel or ask at the IGFA for a recommended company.

Fort Lauderdale’s Pier 66

Like the Hall of Fame Marina, the Pier 66 Marina is another hot spot for some of Fort Lauderdale’s biggest and best fishing charter companies. The marina can be found on SE 17th Street or by phone at 954-525-6666. Again, ask your hotel concierge or the IGFA for a recommended boat and captain.

Hillsboro Inlet Charters

Trusted by Fodor’s, Frommer’s and Forbes Traveler, the Hillsboro Inlet Charter Fleet has built a strong reputation for high-quality fishing charters that get results. The company has over 12 vessels, each specifically designed for pompano, sailfish, marlins and even shark. To make a reservation or an inquiry, contact them at (954) 943-8222.

Average Prices and Charter Rates

Your average bottom fishing boat trip will cost around $40 to $60 for a half-day trip, but that usually includes your basic fishing equipment and bait. Expect to pay more for a private charter, which usually ranges from $350 for a half day to about $600 for a full-day.

Nearby cities and municipalities like Dania Beach, Pompano Beach, Lauderdale by the Sea and Deerfield Beach also offer free or very reasonably priced fishing piers for anglers who prefer a more relaxed, Fort Lauderdale sport fishing experience. Most also offer visitors rod-and-reel rentals for less than $10 a day.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Author: admin
• Saturday, November 22nd, 2008

If you’re planning an Alaska float fishing trip, the key word is “planning.” During peak season, quality lodges will book up fast and rates are high, but planning ahead can avoid both disappointment and excessive costs.

So, plan ahead, book early and know the best places to be. To find out more on how to make your Alaskan fishing trip a hit, keep reading for tips on what to bring, the best season and where to stay.

What to Pack

Because the temperature can vary radically in Alaska - from a hot noon sun to a freezing cold night - you want clothes that will layer, dry quickly and keep you both warm and protected. Opt for clothing made from quick dry fabric like smart wool or a performance blend and choose pieces that can layer. Ideally, you want long-sleeve shirts and pants that will protect you from both the sun and bugs.

Before you start packing all your heavy float fishing gear, double check with your lodge or charter company to see what is and isn’t included in your package. Of course, pack your favorite floats and lures, but many charter companies include larger equipment and safety gear.

And last but not least, the best place to spend your money is on solid rain gear. Though Gore-Tex is expensive and breathable, it’s actually not fully waterproof and will eventually start to seep after a full day of heavy rain. PVC can be hot and uncomfortable, but its impenetrable. So, whether you choose PVC or Gore-Tex, weigh your options, consider whether you’re staying in a lodge or out in the wilderness - and choose accordingly.

The Best Time to Go Float Fishing in Alaska

The best time to go on an Alaska float fishing in Alaska is from June to September. The weather is great, the salmon are spawning, the trout are plentiful and the fishing is amazing. Unfortunately, this is also peak tourism season. That means you need to plan ahead, reserve early and book in advance.

Hot Fishing Spots in Alaska

The best fishing spots in Alaska are

* The Kenai River, a water known for its huge salmon
* The Copper River Delta, a river delta teeming with salmon and trout
* Bristol Bay, an angler’s paradise and home to hundreds of remote lodges, and
* Kodiak Island, an island oasis that’s remote, isolated and crammed with fish

It’s hard not to have a successful float fishing vacation, but with a little planning you can make any trip a great one. Just remember to hit the best fishing spots, go at the right time and pack appropriately. Also, always check with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Sport Fish Division before you book a lodge or charter company. Their website is available at sf.adfg.state.ak.us.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Category: Fishing  | Leave a Comment
Author: admin
• Thursday, November 20th, 2008

Redfish are available primarily along the Gulf Coast of all of the United States. They are perhaps most available in Louisiana and Texas but are also a primary staple of the Florida fishing industry. They are easily caught with devices like the Evening Secret Fishing Weapon shown here: http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1448603/evening_secret_fising_weapon/

I like to fish for Redfish in the grass flat areas of the Gulf of Mexico. Fro those unfamiliar with the grass flats allow me to explain them. The term “grass flats” refers to areas of water that are primarily one to three foot deep in the Gulf of Mexico. These areas are typically defined by the prolific amount of sea grass that grows on the bottom. This dense grass holding a variety of different small fish and crustaceans that Redfish love to feed on. You will see a variety of fish feeding in these areas. Permit, Snook and Sea Trout are just a few of the game fish that compete with Redfish in these areas. The Redfish will stick there heads into this grass in search of food.

Locating Redfish in this setting is often a matter of correctly reading the water. When a Redfish puts its head into the grass in search of food its tail will as a matter of physics lurch upward. It will often clear the water giving the angler an unmistakable view of the exact position of its quarry. In a sense when you fish for Redfish you need to apply many of the same principles a hunter uses. Camouflage is important as is stealth. You need to move slowly and quietly. Many captains use a push pole to propel the boat rather than a mechanical instrument.

I like to use a medium action fishing rod for Redfish. You are faced with two dilemmas. You need a rod with backbone to set the hook in their mouth. You also however need a rod that has the sensitivity to feel a pickup by the Redfish. Large Redfish get that way by learning to avoid foods that do not feel natural to them. They will often pickup a bait and hold it in their mouth before committing to swallowing it. They can and will spit it right out when they notice something amiss. This is where a high quality fishing rod is important. You need a rod that allows you to feel when the fish picks your offering up so you can set the hook before it releases it.

You should select a fishing reel that holds at least two hundred yards of the line you select. Bull Redfish can go well in excess of thirty pounds and strip large amounts of line off a reel very quickly. It is always best to have enough line to withstand this early show of strength.

Since you are employing a stealth approach to this style of fishing we must select the correct fishing line. Fluorocarbon fishing line offers the highest degree of invisibility of any line on the market. You should either spool your reel with this line or using a two way swivel use a leader of at least three feet long of fluorocarbon leader material.

For catching Redfish nothing beats live bait. You have several different choices into his regard.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Author: admin
• Monday, November 10th, 2008

For an exciting overview of some of Alaska’s most popular lodges and fishing tours, read on.

Ultima Thule Lodge (ultimathulelodge.com)

Featured in the National Geographic’s Ultimate Alaska issue, Ultima Thule Lodge is renowned for its luxury service, knowledgeable staff and experienced bush pilots. The lodge is fly-in only and located in the expansive Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.

Their bush pilots can arrange any type of guided fishing experiences, including fly fishing in Moose Valley, an area known for its fantastic fishing.

By offering alternative day trips and other activities, Ultima Thule Lodge has set itself apart from the competition. Whether it’s a corporate retreat or family fishing trip, guests can choose between hiking remote glaciers, rafting the rapids or spending the day fishing.

However, if you and your group want a more rustic or self-catered experience, you may want to look elsewhere. Ultima Thule is known for luxury, not wilderness expeditions.

Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge (sadiecove.com)

Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge is situated right in the middle of the beautiful Kachemak Bay, an area known for its fishing. The eco-lodge uses wind, hydro and solar power, and prides itself on being one of the greenest hotels in the country. Its amazing systems and accommodations have been featured in National Geographic, Forbes’ Traveler, the Discovery Channel, ESPN, the Fishing Network and more.

They arrange everything from photo safaris to fully customized Alaska fly fishing trips, while pampering guests with an in-house chef, on-site sauna and incredible scenery. Despite the amenities and commitment to sustainability, the rates at Sadie Cove are fairly reasonable. They start at about $400 per night per adult for an all-inclusive stay - meaning three meals a day, use of lodge facilities, a private cabin, and fishing equipment. However, private fishing charters or fly-ins do cost extra.

Drifter’s Lodge on the Kenai River (907-595-5555)

If you’re looking for a more rustic experience that centers it attention almost exclusively on fly fishing, Drifter’s Lodge is a great choice. The lodge offers a more down-to-earth Alaskan experience and has been featured in National Geographic, the Lonely Planet and Time magazine. For fly fishing, their draw is on the fall season when the trout are at their peak.

The lodge has on-staff guides who know the Kenai River, know the fish patterns and are able to assist you to find great fishing locations and choose the best flies and casting techniques to catch your fish. They focus on techniques for rainbow trout, Dolly Varden trout and Alaska salmon, and are able to plan some of the best Alaska fly fishing trips available.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Category: Fishing  | Leave a Comment
Author: admin
• Sunday, November 09th, 2008

Going on a long awaited fishing trip brings a lot of excitement as well as a little nervousness. Not being familiar with the well known and the not so well known areas to fish in may make tourists a little uneasy. When packages are planned many times these avid anglers choose to book a boat with Alaska tour guides to lead them to where the fish are. Having the knowledge of these experienced professionals will allow those who visit Alaska to fish to get the most out of their trip. Many times these guides know right where to find the fish that the visitor’s may be looking for which makes for a memorable adventure.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Category: Fishing  | Leave a Comment
Author: admin
• Sunday, October 26th, 2008

Out of all the recent studies done on the most popular walleye fishing contests known today, those in Canada stood out among the rest. Walleye contests in Canada are popular for many walleye anglers itching to catch the “big one.” (Warning: you can only use the Evening Secret in some of these contest and tournaments. www.metacafe.com/watch/1459072/evening_secret_bait_fish_catching/)

However, there are several other places around the country, and world wide actually, that have fishing contests.

Not all are associated with walleye though. In order to find the best contests that pertain to walleye, an individual is most likely going to find the results staggering to the north. This is because of the vast amount of walleye in the northern region.

Some walleye fishing contests are rather huge and the prizes are monetary. In some situations the fishing contests are for awards and trophies too. Many of the regulations or rules of the contests are for a variety of positions as well.

For example, there are some walleye contests for the largest walleye. Weight and length are taken into consideration. Then, there are those contests for the amount of walleye caught in a certain amount of time too.

Also, many of the walleye fishing contests that are popular are in the youth or among the young adult age groups. In these situations, some of the winnings include prizes, awards, and of course bragging rights. These bragging rights of actually winning a walleye fishing contest essentially go with all of the fishing contests.

Some of the more popular walleye fishing contests held in Canada are actually quite impressive. The first prize for some of these contests can range up to three thousand USD. That’s a great win no matter where you are from. It just gets better however, as there are many of these fishing contests held at several different times throughout the year.

Many of the walleye anglers simply find Canada irresistible in terms of participating in a walleye-fishing contest. This is of course what makes the most popular fishing contests to be located essentially in Canada.
Another popular place or location for walleye contests is known as “Lake of the Woods.” Considered to be one of the world’s best walleye fisheries, Lake of the Woods has really become a household name.

With exceptional numbers of walleye, Lake of the Woods can provide all-day action for those in search of these two common relatives. With a solid population of large walleyes present in Lake of the Woods, there is a good chance that someone will hit the 8-pound mark by the time the day is done.

With a seemingly endless amount of acreage, Lake of the Woods offers up endless fishing opportunities. Chasing walleyes over the open flats and breaks can provide consistent action for those looking to cash in on the ever-popular walleye. If you want walleye, you’ve come to the right place!

Many people often consider the walleye fishing contests and events as a vacation as well. And as such, these people diligently attend these contests every year. It is a sport to them, just as there are NASCAR and football fans.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Author: admin
• Tuesday, October 07th, 2008

You are determined to learn fishing. We will call it Fishing 101. There exist many ways of learning, the hardest being trial and error. It sure is better to find a teacher for one-on-one courses. But lets stick to the basics of learning how to fish.

1. Buy seasickness medication

There is nothing as bad as seasickness to ruin your fishing. Seasickness medication such as Bonine can do the job. On rough days, even seasoned fishermen are known to take some. Take one before you go to bed, another when you wake up and one more before you board.

2. Go to a party

Some party boats that carry from fifteen to as many as sixty anglers. The boat provides everything like bait, rod, reel, sinkers and hooks. They help you with fishing and take the fish off the hook for you. Other fishers will see you and will generally stay close to assist you. Party boats generally will cost you between 25 to 70 dollars a day, and the fish are yours to keep. The party boat is a good deal for beginners.

3. Pick your pier

Assuming you have already acquired skills to operate a rod and reel, you need to look for a fishing pier. Most coastal cities have one public pier or pay-to-fish pier. You can buy bate and rent tackle at the piers. If you have problems, there are many pier anglers willing to help and offer you tips.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Category: Fishing  | Leave a Comment