Take A Fly Fishing Vacation In Antigua

If you are a fly fishing enthusiast then you probably spend time looking for new places to go participate in your sport. A lot of fly fishermen stay in the United States going to locales in Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska to try their hand. I would like to introduce you to a new world of fly fishing, the Caribbean.

In the heart of the Caribbean lies the island of Antigua with incredible coral reefs and beautiful crystal clear azure water which is filled with the likes of marlin, tuna, Wahoo, tarpon, and permit. Bonefish are a particular treat in Antigua and are a favorite of those who fly fish anywhere in the Caribbean. These fish have three times the stamina and strength of a comparably sized rainbow trout and will really test your tackle.

If you really want a treat have your guide take you out "jumping tarpon". Tarpon are one of the most magnificent fish of all to catch inshore. The giants often approach 200 pounds and are a spectacular sight to see when they begin leaping out of the water. I have seen these giants jump as many as eleven times once they feel the pressure of the hook. If you are a northern fisherman who has always fished for pike, the tarpon will make you forget all about them as their performance pales in comparison.

One great fly fishing spot in Antigua is the Codrington Lagoon. This twelve mile long strip with an almost endless pink sand beach is thriving with an abundance of all sorts of sea life. It is not as advanced as a lot of the other locations that have their own ports and marinas but the natural beauty of the area is overwhelming and will leave you breathless.
The topography of the area is friendly with a maximum elevation of only 125 feet and the waters are relatively shallow which makes them a perfect place for going after bonefish and tarpon that love the local flats. This is the perfect destination for those who like to get away from it all as it is very primitive and the area only has 1500 residents.

If you are the type who wants more creature comforts on your fly fishing trip you should consider the Falmouth Harbor Marina. It was specially built to accommodate large boats and has docking available for vessels with drafts of up to 20 inches. This marina which is located on the English Harbour main road has all the facilities of a resort town with shops, bars, and restaurants all in walking distance.

So there you have it, two completely different choices for fly fishing in Antigua. What are you waiting for? Go book a trip.

Gregg Hall is an author and internet marketing consultant living in Navarre Florida. For more on fishing and hunting or fishing in Antingua go to http://www.fishingandhuntingplus.com

Learn To Catch Speckled Trout In Florida From A Local

It will never cease to amaze me how many people when trying to catch Speckled Trout don't take the time to check on tides, the moon stages, or even think about the temperature of the water.

Speckled Trout are very temperamental fish and are very sensitive to changes in water temperature as well as barometric pressure. Go fishing for them right before an approaching front in the Fall and you will see what I mean as they will eagerly eat anything you throw at them. If you try to fish for Specks during the day when the moon is full you are likely not to have much luck because they have been feeding all night, particularly in the summer when it is hot.

That brings me to another subject, the water temperature. Aside from trying to catch Speckled Trout or really just about any other fish in the middle of the day in Summer, even fishing for them in the late afternoon will not bring as good of results as fishing for them in the early morning beginning right before sunrise. This is due to the cooling off of the water overnight which allows the fish to become more active.

If you live in an area that has narrow passes or outflows you really are in luck. Set yourself up on the outgoing side on an outgoing tide and you are sure to catch your limit quickly as the trout sit there waiting for the baitfish and shrimp that come pouring out. I fished an area called Rollover Pass near Galveston, Texas where we limited out every day. If you have the opportunity to fish there for Specks I highly recommend it on an outgoing tide.

I live in the panhandle of Florida in a small town called Navarre, we don't really have any areas like that but we do have a lot of canals which brings me to another tip. Just as Speckled Trout are sensitive to heat they are also sensitive to cold. In the winter the fish move into the shallow waters of creeks and canals and you can catch them there fairly easily. I have friends who are net fishermen that catch dozens of them by accident in the winter while casting their nets for mullet.

Now, let me leave you with some bait suggestions. If you are a fan of artificial bait I recommend either a white Mirrorlure with a red head or a clear Cocohoe minnow with a red tail. For live bait, which I prefer you cannot go wrong with live shrimp or pinfish. Pinfish are my personal preference because they last longer and typically catch bigger fish plus you don't have the problem of other unwanted fish eating them like you do with shrimp.

Gregg Hall is an author and internet marketing consultant living in Navarre Florida. For more on fishing in Florida or hunting and fishing in go to http://www.fishingandhuntingplus.com

Get Off The Beaten Path And Take A Mexico Fishing Vacation

If you have never been to Mexico for a fishing trip you are missing a treat. With the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez on the west and the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean on the east, Mexico offers something for almost every type of fisherman, unless you are a lover of ice fishing! Mexico offers some of the best fishing in the world and has some interesting areas to explore as well.

The latest "secret" spot of globe trotting anglers is the Pacific coastal town of Huatulco in the area called the Oaxacan coast. This area is more off the beaten path and is not a tourist trap like many other areas of Mexico such as Cancun and Cozumel. If you are like most anglers, myself included, you are looking for a place to get away from it all and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Huatulco offers exactly that with clear turquoise waters loaded with pelagic game fish such as Sailfish.

Huatulco is kind of in between the categories of primitive and luxury with nice hotels and restaurants, but nothing pretentious. The local natives are very friendly to tourists unlike a lot of areas that you may travel to.

As far as the fishing goes, Huatulco is an incredible fishing ground for sailfish and marlin. We focused on fishing for sailfish the least time I was there and in seven days of fishing we saw probably a dozen or so world record class fish and of those we caught and released four and landed two and that's not even mentioning the fact that overall we raised over a hundred fish while trolling! We even got the attention of a couple of large blue marlin but couldn't get them to take a bait.

Another hot spot on Mexico's west coast is Cabo San Lucas, the destination of many Hollywood movie stars. This area which is located on the Baja Peninsula is the quintessential fishing vacation for all sport fishermen and in particular those seeking the elusive Marlin as the waters off of Cabo are known as the Marlin Capital of the World.

The Sea of Cortez which was created by an enormous earthquake millions of years ago effectively works as a huge fish trap to the large pelagic species that run the Pacific Ocean. You will see hundreds of boats chasing after the marlin with craft of every size from the local's small pangas to luxurious motor yachts from California and all over the world. If you are looking for a great fishing trip Cabo San Lucas will not disappoint you.

Gregg Hall is an author and internet marketing consultant living in Navarre Florida. For more on fishing and hunting or fishing in Mexico go to http://www.fishingandhuntingplus.com

How To Be Creative With Your Lures

The spoon is one of the best lures the angler can use in fresh- or salt-water fishing. It is compact and heavy enough to cast well especially in the smaller sizes. It can be used when casting or trolling, and attracts all kinds of fish because of its brilliant "flash" and lively, swaying action.
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To make a fresh-water spoon from scratch you have to obtain brass or copper sheet metal in various thicknesses. The smaller-size spoons which run only from I/2 to 2 1/2 in. in length use thinner-gauge metal than the larger spoons which measure from 3 to 5 in. in length.

This metal must be cut out and filed out to the size desired, then bent and hammered into the proper concave shape. This is a lot of work if done with hand tools, and takes time even with the aid of power tools. Then the holes to take the hooks and line have to be drilled. If the hook is soldered to the spoon that's another operation. Next, you have the spoons plated in nickel, chrome, gold, or silver. Or, if you want to use the brass or copper of the original metal, you must polish or buff it.

Frankly, when one figures the time, energy, and money spent in making fresh-water spoons from the raw material it really doesn't pay - not unless one is willing to go to the expense of having a die made to stamp out the spoons on a punch press. With such a die one can stamp out enough spoons to last a lifetime. Such a die runs into quite a bit of money and unless you need hundreds or thousands of spoons it isn't worth it.

Fortunately, you don't have to go to the trouble of shaping your own fresh-water spoons or spend money for expensive dies. Some of the mailorder houses carry spoons in various sizes, shapes, and weights. They are all complete with shiny gold, silver, brass, copper, chrome, or painted finishes and can be bought cheaply, especially in larger quantities. You can buy a dozen of the spoons and the other parts, such as split rings and hooks, and then assemble the spoons.

Split rings come in various sizes; the smaller ones are used for small spoons while the larger ones are needed for the bigger spoons. They are usually made from spring steel or solid brass. The steel split rings are plated and are suitable for fresh-water spoons, but for salt-water the solid brass rings are much better.

Use a knife blade to spread a split ring apart so that it can be forced into the hole on the spoon. Once you have the split ring started, just keep turning it until it snaps on completely. You can put two split rings on most spoons, one in front for the fishing line and the other in the back, to which a treble hook is attached. The treble hook can be plain or it can be wound with bucktail hair.

Although spoons with metal finishes are the most popular you can paint them in various colors - such as all white, all yellow, or red and white stripes - if you want to do so. Usually only the convex side is painted, the concave side retaining the metal silver or nickel finish. You can also paint or spray the convex side with a natural fish-scale finish. For painting by hand with a brush, enamels are best. For spraying, use the quicker drying lacquers. Clear lacquer or varnish can also be sprayed on a metal finish to keep it from tarnishing.

Many fishermen have great success in using spoons, and you can too. Good fishing!

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How to Understand the Sport of Fishing

Every year more than thirty million people in the United States go fishing. Behind this vast migration to our streams, lakes, bays, and oceans, there lies a greater motivation than the desire for food and exercise. It is simply that fishing is fun - so much fun that it is one of the nation's fastest growing family sports.

The fact that fishing is no longer the exclusive preserve of males accounts for this rapid rise in popularity. Today mothers and daughters are discovering the pleasures that fathers and sons have traditionally recognized - and the sport is proving a recreation that can truly be enjoyed by the whole family.

There are three basic methods of fishing:

Still fishing. This is the simplest, often the starting point of one's interest in the sport. The equipment required is elementary: a rod - this can range from expensive fishing tackle to a bamboo pole; a length of line; a float or bobber; and a hook. The hook carries natural bait - worms, minnows, hellgrammites, crayfish, grubs, and insects - and lies static beneath the water until a fish bites.

Trolling. In this method, the hook, with bait or artificial lure attached, is drawn through the water by a slow-moving boat. Trolling is practiced on the ocean, on freshwater lakes, and in rivers that are wide enough and deep enough to give your lure unobstructed passage.

Casting. Here the angler employs the action of his rod to "throw" an artificial lure over the water, then retrieve the lure so that it imitates the action of live bait. (At times, live bait is cast in the same manner.) The principal casting techniques are bait, spin, and fly casting for freshwater fish, and surf casting in salt water.

The question that's often put to me is, "Why bother to learn to cast when you can just drop a line in the water and still fish?" There are three obvious answers that come to mind immediately, and a dozen more that may occur to any of you who have tried both methods.

First, it's much more fun and more sporting to catch a fish by casting. Second, when casting, you can present your lure in good fishing spots that can't be reached by still fishing. Third, while the still-fisherman can present his bait only to the fish in his immediate vicinity, the caster can reach much farther, has a greater potential number of fish within his range. His chances of taking a trophy catch - the ultimate goal of nine out of ten anglers - increase correspondingly.

In almost all states there are open and closed seasons on many fresh-water species; before you fish any waters be sure the season is open for the species you plan to catch. (If a fish is caught that is protected by a closed season, it must be released immediately.) This is especially true when you plan a trip to out-of-state waters.

To obtain this information, write to the Director of the Conservation Department of the state where you are planning to fish. A letter so addressed, sent to the state capital, will reach the proper source. Ask (1) for a free copy of that state's fishing laws; (2) for information about license fees and data on the open and closed seasons (usually contained in the law booklet); (3) what weeks are best for given species; and (4) where the best fishing and accommodations can be found.

Nobody would expect to play baseball in the major leagues as soon as he bought his first glove, and no golfer would expect to win the National Open as soon as he has acquired his first clubs. Bring the same patience and persistence to fishing as you would to these other sports: you'll be in the ranks of the expert a lot sooner than you would expect. And we confirmed fishermen are anxious to have you join us.

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How to Locate Fish in the Surf

One of the toughest problems confronting the novice in surf fishing is the one of locating the fish that venture inshore to feed. As the beginner glances up and down the miles of beach, he is likely to scratch his head and wonder where he should cast his lure or bait. To him, one section of breaking waves and water looks very much like any other, and he finds it difficult to choose the best spot for fishing.

Unfortunately for the newcomer, however, the ability to choose the best fishing spots in the surf takes time to acquire. Through years of trial and error the seasoned surf anglers have learned which spots are the most productive and which ones to ignore. But the beginner may spend hours fishing a barren spot. What to do about it?

You can obtain information on the hot surf-fishing spots from friends and fishing-tackle dealers. If you have a surf-fishing buddy make a mutual agreement to keep each other informed when and where you catch fish in the surf. Or drop around to the local fishing-tackle store and talk to either the owner or surf anglers who have been out fishing.

Many surf anglers come into the local store to weigh a big fish or buy a lure or line. The dealer gets a good idea of the spots that are producing fish and is glad to pass this information on to his customers.

The beginning surf fisherman often has a favorite way of locating the best fishing spots. He goes down to the beach and looks for other anglers. If he sees a line of surf anglers he joins them in the belief that they are fishing the best spot. This may or may not be true.

If the anglers are catching fish or have caught fish at that spot recently then it's a good idea to join them. But if no fish are being caught you may be wasting your time fishing there. You can often do better by finding a less crowded spot. In fact, even if a few fish are being caught at the time you can still increase your chances by trying a different location where there is less competition.

Surf fish such as striped bass, bluefish, channel bass, weak-fish and others often move fast. They may be present and active in a certain area and then, in a matter of minutes, disappear. So when these species are moving in large schools and actively feeding on smaller bait fish, the best way to locate them is to look for birds, especially gulls and terns, diving and wheeling over the water. This usually indicates that larger game fish down below are driving the bait fish to the surface.

When the birds are within casting distance, it's always a good idea to cast a metal squid or surface plug into the commotion. If there are big fish feeding, the chances are good that you will get a strike. But even if the birds are outside of casting range or merely sitting on the water, it pays to keep an eye on them.

If the bait fish move in to shore, the birds and game fish will follow and you'll often be able to reach them. On many occasions, I've spent many hours during the day watching gulls and terns wheeling and diving too far offshore to reach with a cast. However, toward dusk, the bait fish often headed inshore and then there would be fast action as the bigger fish followed them right up to the beach.

Sometimes you don't see any birds working, but you will either see small bait fish skipping or leaping out of the water or you will see a big fish slap the water with its tail or swirl as it chases a smaller fish. In either case it's an indication that fish are present and feeding. Then it's up to you to find the lure that they want.

It can be fun fishing in the surf, and following these guidelines, it can be rewarding too!

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How to Make Fresh-Water Spin Bugs

One of the most effective lures for black bass in fresh water is the so-called "bass bug" which is used with a fly rod. However, these bugs are too light to cast with a casting or spinning rod. But the angler who wants to use such tackle can easily make bass bugs which are heavy enough to cast.

Such lures (which I will call "spin bugs" to separate them from the regular cork or plastic "bass bugs") should weight at least 1/4 oz. or a bit more to cast well. They are usually bulky, having hair or feathers which hold them back during the cast.

Spin bugs or bass bugs are usually made to resemble some kind of insect or bug which has fallen into the water. These are generally such big insects as dragonflies, butterflies, moths, beetles, and grasshoppers. Such insects float and kick around on top of the water, so spin bugs which do the same are the best fish-getters. However, some of these lures are also made to resemble minnows, small fish, or frogs.

The simplest type of spin bug one can make is a small popping bug. The spin bugs are much smaller, shorter, and have fewer hooks. And they will have hair or feathers added to imitate the legs or wings of a bug or insect.

The popping spin bug can be made from soft, light wood such as cedar or basswood. It should be about 11/2 in. long and 7/8 in. in diameter. The head slants downward at the regular 45-degree angle. You need two small screw-eyes and one treble hook to finish this bug. One screw eye goes at the head for the fishing line, while the other one holds the treble hook at the tail.

The screw eyes and hooks should be smaller than those used for regular fresh-water plugs; a No. 2 or No. 4 treble hook is a good size to use. The hooks should be sharp, fine-wire types of the best quality. You'll hook more fish with needle-sharp hooks than with dull, cheap ones.

Before the treble hook is put on the screw eye it should be wound with bucktail hair. First cut your bucktail hair so that it is only slightly longer than the shank of the hook. Next, get some fly-tying thread and make a few turns with it around the hook shank near the eye. Now form three or four pinches of the bucktail hair and have them ready.

Take one of the pinches of bucktail, lay it against the hook shank and wind several turns of thread around it. To make the wings of the spin bug which project from the sides, use buck-tail or other hair. Take two pinches of the bucktail and wrap the butts tightly with fly-tying thread.

Then dip or dab the windings with clear, waterproof cement. After they dry, drill two holes in the wood body of the bug, one on each side. When you do this, make sure that the holes are just big enough to take the butts of the bucktail wings snugly. In other words, it should be a tight fit.

Then dip the butts of the wings in clear cement and insert them into the holes. You can also force a drop or two of the cement into the holes with a stick or brush. When the cement dries the bucktail wings will be held firmly in place.

Finish off the wrapping with more turns. Add another pinch of bucktail next to the first one and wind some thread around it. Keep doing this until the hook shank is completely covered. Bind it with a whip finish or a series of half hitches. Then coat the thread wrapping with fly-tying cement or with one of the clear, quick-drying cements which come in tubes.

With one of these spin bugs on the end of your line, you should enjoy success every time.

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The Truth About Fresh-Water Game Fish

Whether you're a beginner or an old-timer a worm-dunker, plug-tosser or a dry-fly puritan you'll want to know many things to get the most out of your fishing. Here in plain fish-talk is the low-down about Largemouth Black Bass so you can't miss.

Largemouth Black Bass

This big fresh-water tacklebuster is a favorite of anglers because of his savagery when he attacks a lure, and because of his head-shaking, leaping battle when hooked. Due to transplanting, he now can be found in ponds, lakes and rivers throughout the United States, and even in Canada, Mexico, Germany, Spain, France and Africa. His general color is greenish-bronze on the back, a lighter green on the sides, and yellow-white on the belly.

The easiest time to catch him is at daybreak and dusk; the best place is close to shore, especially near lily pads, underwater rocky lairs and large surface snags such as fallen trees.

He enters this shallow water during the night to hunt for minnows and fry (young fish), night-crawlers that may have slipped off the bank, frogs, lizards, field mice and, in fact, any living thing that can fit into his cavernous mouth, which is large enough to hold another fish two-thirds his own size. Bass have been known to gobble baby ducks, and even to try to swallow one of the parents!

Under these conditions, any of the above natural foods can be used to catch him. But none of them is necessary. When Bass are feeding at sunup and sundown, they'll grab almost anything. So, use artificial lures. The lures that "swim" on the surface or just below it are the best since they aren't likely to get "hung up," or snagged, on bottom grass or rocks.

Besides, the strike of a Bass at a surface lure is spectacular, a thrill you'll long remember. You don't need a leader to connect your line to the lure. Tie the line to it directly or attach it with a small snap-swivel. Use bait-casting or medium-weight spinning tackle and nylon line of at least 8-pound-test (breaking strength).

Shortly after daybreak, as the sun begins to warm the shallows, the Largemouth Bass stops feeding and moves to deeper water, not returning until late evening when he works his way shoreward again for his nightly hunt for food. Bass fishing during the day, when the sun is high and the Bass are deep, usually mystifies anglers. They don't know how to find Bass in deep water! And even when they find them, they can't get them to strike!

"The Bass aren't feeding," is the old excuse. Maybe so, but if the only Bass caught were those that were feeding, there would be many more empty stringers. Catching a feeding Bass at dawn or dusk is comparatively easy; catching a non-feeding Bass at midday can be almost as easy - if you remember (1) he's the biggest bully in the lake, and (2) it's easy to get him to prove it!

To find Bass in deep water, first find a submerged weed bed. The Bass will be hiding in it. To find the weed bed, drag a treble-hook on a line-and-sinker from the rear of your boat until it snags fresh weeds. Then back off to within casting distance, anchor your boat, and cast to the weed bed with a deep-swimming lure.

Maybe the first few times he'll let the "cripple" swim by. Keep casting to the same spot, retrieving the plug in sharp jerks to simulate injury even more authentically. Every time he sees this teaser stagger past his nose, he'll fin a little faster. Eventually, the bully in him takes over. He comes in a rush - and you've a fight on your hands.

Remember, when there doesn't seem to be a sign of a Bass anywhere, go to deep water over a weed bed with a red-and-white plug or a red-and-silver spoon. Add a sinker to the line ahead of it to sink it deeper, if necessary. Give it lots of "wounded" action, and cast at least a dozen times to the same spot before shifting to a new one a few yards to the right or left. If you don't get a Largemouth then, it will be because there aren't any left in the lake!

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Secrets Of Salt-Water Fishing Plugs

There are many reasons why you should make your own salt-water fishing plugs. First, of course, is to save some money since the larger plugs are quite expensive if purchased. Anglers lose more salt-water plugs than fresh-water plugs. It is possible to fish with one plug in fresh-water for many years. But you're lucky if you don't lose some salt-water plugs in a few days of fishing.

The fishing line may break on a cast, or the plug gets tangled in rocks, piles, or weeds. Also, the big salt-water fish are always breaking lines and taking the plugs with them. Finally, the wear and tear on salt-water plugs quickly ruins the paint and the wood body and rusts the hooks. A salt-water fisherman continually has to replace lost or ruined plugs.

Furthermore, fishing with salt-water plugs is comparatively new. Fishing with such plugs didn't really become popular until after World War II, so there is still plenty of room for experimentation. Many salt-water anglers, especially surf anglers, are always trying to create new plugs or improve the old ones. They add stronger hooks, rearrange hooks, make plugs of different shapes, sizes, and weights, and try out different color schemes.

Salt-water plugs can also be made from cedar, and this is the best wood to use for the smaller type plugs. This light wood has the buoyancy to support metal parts such as lips, screw eyes, screws, and hooks without sinking. The use of cedar is especially important when making surface plugs. But cedar may be too light for the larger-sized salt-water plugs, unless loaded with lead. Hence, many surf anglers who use big plugs make them from heavier woods such as birch, fir, maple, and walnut.

Even such hard woods as ash, oak, and hickory have been used when a heavy salt-water plug is required. However, these woods are tough to cut, drill, or shape with hand tools, and they do not support too many hardware parts without sinking. In fact, when making any salt-water surface plugs it is necessary to check carefully to make certain that the wood body will support the metal plates, screw eyes, hooks, and other hardware without sinking.

In salt-water fishing the deadliest type of plug is usually a surface model. The easiest plug of this type to make is the simple popper This plug can be about 6 1/2 in. long and have a diameter of 1 1/8, in. The head can be straight cut at a 45-degree angle. The plug is equipped with three 5/0 extra-strong treble hooks.

The quickest way to attach these hooks to the body is by means of screw eyes, which should be fairly large and of heavy wire with long, deep threads. The best screw eyes are made of brass since they don't rust in salt water. However, you can use galvanized iron screws if they are heavy and strong.

If this popper is made from a heavy wood it will cast far without additional weight. But if you use light wood or want as heavy a plug as possible, add some lead to the tail end of the plug. You drill a hole and plug it up with a round chunk of lead. If you make a tight fit you can tap in the lead after putting some cement in the hole.

Heavy screw eyes will usually prove satisfactory as hook holders and for attaching the line to the plugs described here. For stronger plugs, however, attach the hooks by using hook hangers similar to the one used for fresh-water plugs. For salt-water plugs, such a hook hanger must be heavier than that used for fresh-water plugs. You can make such hook hangers by using a brass piece I 1/2 in. long by 1/4 in. wide and 1/32 in. thick. File the brass in a bench vise then bend it with round-nosed and flat-nosed pliers.

The lure is not too difficult to make, and once made, you should enjoy great success fishing. Good luck!

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Safety Tips For Fishing On Rowboats and Outboards

Fishing on rowboats and outboards is the boat fishing combination you probably will use the most. It's the most economical when you're the skipper and you can go where fancy dictates, you can run up on a sandy beach for a swim and lunch or just to stretch your legs. You cannot do these things in any other boat you can hire for a day. Not at these prices.

A rowboat without the outboard costs from two to five dollars a day, depending on where you are, size of the boat, weekday or weekend.

But for family fishing, be wise and consider the outboard a must. Venture out with only oars to propel you when you're alone or only Andy is with you, and then only when the water is placid. The kicker should rent for from five to ten dollars a day. It ought to be seven to ten horsepower. Don't settle for any that's less than five.

Never leave the livery without first taking the necessary safety precautions. Here are the musts of rowboat-outboard fishing.
1. Rowboats are usually from twelve to sixteen feet long. When Mother, Andy and Peg are with you hire no less than a fourteen - or sixteen - footer, preferably the latter.

2. Make sure the livery gives you a spare can of gas and make sure the motor tank is full.

3. The Coast Guard says each person aboard must have a Coast Guard approved life jacket or buoyant cushion. The boat station must provide them. See that it does. Make the kids wear their jackets no matter how much they holler.

4. Take a long length of clothesline with you. Kids being kids, it might turn out to be a lifeline.

5. Don't move around in the boat. Don't stand up, either. Dad sits in the stern manning the tiller; Mother sits in the bow and handles the anchor. Andy and Peg share the center seat.

6. Don't go outside, meaning even two feet out to sea. Stay within the shelter of land.

7. Don't ever take a fifth person with you. In an emergency, you'll have your hands full taking care of four. A rowboat wasn't built for five and you're more apt to have an emergency.

8. Don't cast. Flying hooks are dangerous to people around you.

9. Take along a first aid kit.

10. Be sure to have a pair of oars. Something could go wrong with the motor.

11. If a sudden storm comes up get onto the nearest shore fast, whether it has shelter from rain or not. You may get wet but you'll be on land.

12. If you go ashore for a lark, allow for a changing tide when mooring or you may find your boat high and dry.

13. If you or anyone else falls overboard, cling to the boat. Don't budge from it, no matter how close by that shore seems to be. You may be a good swimmer but you can't stay afloat as well as a boat.

14. Learn the rules of safe navigation; they're available free at any Coast Guard station and lots of other places. And obey them. You may not own the boat but you're responsible for the safety of your family.

15. Always remember this when on the water: If you're careless there can be no tomorrow.

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Surf, Rock and Jetty Fishing

When you fish any of these three places you've reached the pinnacle of inshore fishing. Surf fishing, technically speaking, is fishing at any sandy shoreline where the ocean beats against the beach. Rock and jetty fishing is surf fishing too, except that here the tides beat against something more solid than sand. The rocks and jetties - there is so little difference between breakwater and jetty that this book will treat them as one and the same - are no places for your wife or Andy or Peg to use as a perch.

The sand beach is far safer, yet it can be treacherous, too. But here the family can go, provided you first pick your spot well and they continually keep their eyes open against the unexpected. Your favorite bathing beach, or a spot close to it, can be as good a feeding ground for fish as rock or jetty. The unexpected to watch out for can be an unusually high breaker or a heavy piece of floating debris. One more hazard to watch for: people swimming. Swimmers and anglers don't mix.

The surf - whether it is beach, rock or jetty - offers its top rewards in the fish to be caught: fighting gamesters with minds of their own and the strength of the sea behind them. Stripers, channel bass, permit, tarpon, snook, croakers and corbina, squeteague and blues.

They're battlers all and once you've landed your first you're on your way to acquiring a mental strut that sets you apart from all other saltwater fishermen. You'll be a Sultan of the Surf, a title than which there is no higher.

Surf fishing, obviously, is done to catch fish. But it is far more than that. What if there is a day when you catch no fish? Just being there can be reward enough.

The majesty of the open ocean, the pounding waves, the surging of the tides, the sun, the sand. And why didn't you catch any fish today? Did you read nature's signs right? Or did you read them wrong?

Was the wind too strong? Or was the wind too weak? Did you pick a day when the sun was too bright and pass up that day of rain and storm? Did you cast out two hundred feet when the fish were feeding just fifty feet offshore? Did you hook a demon and let him have too much leeway with the line? Or did you set the line up too tight and let him break away?

All these questions, and many more, there are answers for. But there is only one person to give you the answers. You. Answer them right, and if you caught no fish today, tomorrow's another day.

The surf is a majestic place. But it is no place to fish if you have a weak heart or a physical ailment that cuts down on your agility and your ability to move fast - jump fast, perhaps. But if you have an ailment that can be cured by physical therapy, you'll find no better set of therapeutic conditions anywhere at any price. And you'll have fun taking the treatment.

Whether You've Been Fishing Since They Invented Hooks, Or Just Starting Out, You'll Be Amazed At What You Can Still Learn About Saltwater Fishing From This 1962 Manuscript!

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Caring For Fishing Waders and Boots

Waders and boots, to be of any use, obviously must be kept dry inside. In warm weather one often finds himself so damp that he may suspect his waders of leaking although usually it is only perspiration. Waders thus dampened should be opened and hung up so the air can get at them. Waders that are actually wet inside demand more thorough treatment.

I learned how to dry out rubber boots or waders under somewhat distressing circumstances. I was fishing a sheltered bay on Bass Lake, Ind., during a raw, northeast wind one day in the spring. I was casting from shore, wading out as far as the height of my boots would permit. I had a common grain sack tied to my belt to hold the fish which, despite the unpropitious circumstances, were striking well. As soon as the bag grew decently heavy I decided to go ashore and forgetting all about the bag tied to my waist, I turned, stepped on it, lost my balance and took what the youngsters call "a header" into the icy water.

By the time I drove four miles in an open motor car in the teeth of the cold wind a hot fire and dry clothing were welcome, to say the least. My host, Frank Hay, the dean of the northern Indiana anglers, then showed me how to quickly dry wet boots. First he emptied out the water and rubbed the inside of the boots with a dry cloth to remove as much of the remaining moisture as possible. Then he took sheets of newspaper and placed them on the hot stove until they scorched (they turn brown and give forth a "burned" odor when sufficiently heated) and crammed my boots full of this warm material. In a remarkably short time they were dried perfectly.

Heating oats, bran or sand and using in the same way is also recommended but the newspaper treatment is the best I have ever seen so I pass the idea along. Parenthetically, you will note that I do not recommend a grain sack for holding fish, in the chapter on tackle!

As soon as the angler reaches his fishing grounds he should remove his waders from the suit case or duffle bag and hang them up. Do not pack waders that are wet as they are liable to rot. As soon as the angler reaches home he should hang the waders in the open air until they are thoroughly dried. Do not roll them up when storing them between seasons.

Boots or waders with a leak are worse than useless. The best way to locate a puncture is to blow up each boot or wader leg with a tire pump and submerge in a tub of water when small bubbles will tell where the trouble is. The poorest way to find a leak is to have a trickle of icy water tell you about it.

A leak can be patched by either inserting a rubber plug, such as is used for patching tires, or by a round patch put on with tire cement. The quick repair discs, that fit both over and under the hole and tighten, are also handy. A temporary patch can be made with adhesive tape or canoe glue. Best of all, if the material will permit, is to have the puncture vulcanized by the garage man.

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Tools For Making Fishing Lures

One of the most satisfying experiences a fisherman can have is to catch a fish on a fishing lure he has fashioned with his own hands.

It is not necessary to be a skilled craftsman to make lures. If they possess the ability to handle the few necessary tools, they can make excellent lures. The lures may not look professionally perfect, but they will catch fish, and that's all that really counts.

And if the angler makes his own lures, he'll probably catch more fish, in the long run. The reason for this is psychological. An angler who uses a store-bought plug or jig tends to be hesitant about casting it around rocks, logs, piles, and masses of seaweed.

He figures he paid good money for it and doesn't want to lose it - even though he knows some of the best fish are caught around such obstructions. And other lures such as jigs are most effective when bounced on the bottom, when they often get fouled and lost. So, rather than lose his costly lures our cautious angler casts into safer spots, which contain fewer fish!

Making fishing lures can be an enjoyable hobby, especially during the long winter months when fishing is slow. It has even been argued that the joy of designing and creating a lure offers as much if not more pleasure than the actual fishing.

Before you can make any kind of fishing lures you must have the proper tools. In fact, without the right tools you can't do a good job, and you'll soon become discouraged. On the other hand, if you are equipped with the right tools you'll find lure-making easy and highly enjoyable. So the best procedure is to obtain as many of the necessary tools in advance before you start making your own lures.

Most anglers will already have some tools The rest can be bought without too much of an investment, and the others can be acquired as the need arises.

The biggest single item needed for making fishing lures is a bench, table, or desk. Fortunate, indeed, is the man who has a basement, den, or special room where he can have a permanent workbench and various power tools to pursue his hobbies.

After you have such a bench, table, or desk you need a vise which will hold the various lures for drilling, filing, bending, and other operations. Almost any bench vise of good size will serve the purpose. Unless you have a permanent workbench, this vise doesn't have to be fastened to the table or desk until needed.

A small anvil is also useful if you plan to make many metal lures or parts for such lures. It is used for cutting, bending, punching, and riveting. However, if you get a big bench vise of the machinist's or utility type you can use the anvil surface found on such vises. Or you can use a small block of iron with a smooth surface as a makeshift anvil.

A hammer, of course, is a basic tool for any kind of work, and for making fishing lures about two or three hammers will suffice. If you already have a claw hammer, you can use it for many lure-making jobs.

At least two saws will be needed. If you already have a hand saw it can be used for working with wood.

Some kind of drill is needed for drilling holes in wood and metal. If you have a home workshop with a drill press you can use it for most of the work to be done. It is especially useful when drilling holes in metal. A portable electric drill is also a big aid when drilling metal, especially if you have to drill many holes.

Pliers, files, screwdrivers and a sharp knife are the only other essential tools needed for making lures.

With these tools, the fisherman is able to make any number of lures irresistible to fish.

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Six Tips for Choosing the Best Boat to Use for Walleye Fishing

You might be wondering, 'Do I need a boat to fish for walleye? Can't I just catch the fish from the shore?' Of course you can, but if you've had experience with walleye before, you know that they tend to change location depending on the season and on where their main food is located.

Some of the best walleye catches are also difficult to access from the shore. When walleye congregate in deeper waters, why miss out when you can be in on the action in the comfort of your own boat? Here are some things you might want to consider when buying or choosing a boat for walleye fishing:

Consider the frequency of your fishing trips.
If you fish a couple of times a year, you'll need a simple, no-frills boat. You might also want to invest in something cheaper but sturdy.

Consider your fishing style.
Walleye tend to make their appearance during the nighttime. If you'll be fishing mostly for this fish, consider the creature comforts and protection your boat can offer when you'll be using it .

Consider boat size
The size of the boat matters, especially if you will be fishing with a companion or two. You might also want to consider how well your boat will handle the passengers and equipment. A 14-foot boat, for example, will probably be comfortable enough for two to three anglers plus equipment. Longer ones can hold more.

Do you need a motor?
Consider the size of the lake or reservoir you will be fishing. A medium to large body of water will require that you use a boat with a motor so you can change locations easily. Imagine paddling your way around a lake as big as Lake Erie just to find your walleye.

Which bottom?
The way a fishing boat's bottom is shaped will impact how it performs in the water. A flat bottom, for example, is a good boat to use if the water isn't choppy and you don't need a lot of speed. For deeper waters, a V-bottom boat will work better because the shape cuts the water more efficiently, allowing you to move faster. If the lake you'll be fishing in is a bit large, consider a steeper V-bottom for more speed and a smoother ride.

Material and design
Boats that are perfect for walleye fishing come in a variety of layouts and styles. Simply choose which one will best fit your needs. As for materials, choose boats made of fiberglass or aluminum. They're sturdy and tough enough to see you through hundreds of walleye fishing trips.

Michael Hehn owns and operates the Walleye
Fishing Guide. Come and find out more at http://www.walleye-fishing-guide.com

Things You Should Look for When Buying Gear for Walleye Fishing

Successful walleye fishing is a combination of strategy, location and gear. Without the right fishing gear, you could have all the best intentions in the world but never catch this elusive fish. Want to increase your chances of catching the walleye? Here are the most important fishing gear you'll need to complete your arsenal:

Fishing rod
Look for the three essentials: strength, length and flex. The walleye is not a passive fish and you'll have to do a little bit of battle so you'll need a sturdy and reliable rod.

Length also matters. If you tend to fish in an area surrounded by trees and shrubs, a shorter line will prevent any tangles. Pick a rod that is about 6 to 7 feet long, which should work well whether you're fishing from a boat or from the shore.

If you're wondering why flex is a factor, consider how lightly the walleye can sometimes strike at your bait. Many anglers have lost a good catch because their rods were too stiff to give them a 'feel'. A light, flexible, medium- to fast-action rod will give you more information than your heavy and stiff old faithful.

Fishing reel
Your next fishing gear consideration is the reel. A good bet is the spinning reel, which many anglers swear will work great with a well-chosen rod. A spinning reel and rod combo will let you work with light cranks and jigs, two of the best and most reliable elements of your walleye fishing arsenal.

When looking at the fishing reel at the store, make sure to check for drag. Choose the one that offers the smoothest so in case you play tug of war with the walleye, you won't waste too much energy in the fight. You'll also need a clean drag to help you manipulate your line better, allowing you to pull and discharge it with minimal effort. Too much resistance and your line could break.

Fishing line
Look for a strong and reliable line. Don't be afraid to pay for quality. When you're already out there in the water, you'll thank yourself for not scrimping.

Lures and baits
Lures and bait are the components of your fishing gear that attract the walleye. For your first picks, choose the following:

Jigs - these are meant to be used on a lake, stream or river bottom, in close contact with the sand. Choose the appropriate size, weight and style.

Crank baits - mimicry is the strong suit of crank baits and you'll need them to lure the walleye into believing that what you are presenting is their real prey.

Bottom bouncer - this will sink your live bait and make it easy for the walleye to take a bite.

Michael Hehn owns and operates the Walleye
Fishing Guide. Come and find out more at http://www.walleye-fishing-guide.com

Virginia Walleye Fishing Secret Techniques

Virginia offers several top-quality lakes and rivers to fish for walleye. Spawning season occurs in early springtime. Walleye leave the comforts of deep water and head towards the shallower depths often found in feeder streams. Bottom surface conditions are clear and clean. Deeper waters are never far away.

Spawning females require a few days of rest following a spawning period. After this, they are looking for that first meal and the bite will be fierce. Spawn and immediate post-spawn periods are ideal for anglers to fish walleye. Outside of spawning season, walleye are particular about where they hang out.

Water temperatures normally fall between 38 and 60 degrees. Water conditions are slightly murky with little or no current movement. Bottom surface conditions are comprised of gravel, sand or rocks. Menu choices cover small fish, crustaceans, worms and insects. Ideal fishing time is during warm weather months from sundown to midnight.

Virginia lakes cover a solid portion of the state and each is good size in nature. The largest lake in the state is Smith Mountain Lake. This massive lake stands at 20,000-acres in size and makes home in the south-central portion of the state in Penhook, Virginia.

Next is the 10,000-acre South Holston Lake creating the southern border of Virginia in Abingdon. Traveling north, there is Lake Anna, which is a bit smaller at 9,600-acres. This lake makes a home in Bumpass, Virginia. The remaining four Virginia lakes suited for walleye fishing are by no means small.

Claytor Lake stands 4,500-acres in the south-west area of the state at Radford, Virginia. Following this is Leesville Reservoir. This 3,400-acre lake falls in south-central Pittsville, Virginia. Philpott Lake, 2,900-acres, also resides in this area at Bassett, Virginia.

Finally, there is Lake Chesdin, at 3,100-acres in Petersburg, Virginia. The record walleye caught in Virginia is 15 lbs. 15 ozs. Virginia lakes and reservoirs maintain a healthy level of pre-stocked walleye fish. Rivers are a different matter. In West Virginia, biologists have recently identified a new breed of walleye, the Ohio River drainage walleye. Fishing officials are working to stock rivers with this new breed of walleye.

Currently, the Kanawha, Ohio and New Rivers are greatly benefiting from this new program. The Kanawha River in West Virginia is the notable place to seek out large sized walleye. Each year, walleye pulled from these waters weigh in between eight and fourteen pounds. Even the best walleye anglers rarely see a walleye of this size. The Virginia record weighing walleye at 17.85 pounds back in 2003 came from this very river. The key to finding these big boys begins with where to start.

Look to the inlets. As spawning season draws near, walleye start seeking out shallower water levels. To do this, they virtually pass by any available inlet along the way. The area below dams, commonly referred to as the tailrace, is another walleye hotspot location. When spawning seasons begins to end, turn attention towards deeper water. Pools and channels along the river course is where walleye lurk. Ideal times are between late evening and dark once water temperatures are on the rise.

The recent walleye stocking program has done wonders for the Ohio River. This program is steadily increasing the quantities and sizes of walleyes. The walleye reside in fast-paced water conditions of dams and upper pool areas. The best fishing technique for the Ohio River is jigs containing minnows or live bait. Pair these selections with slip bobber rigs. These two will function together to keep bait in contact with bottom surfaces.

In the Monongahela River, walleye frequent slack water pools and channels. Anywhere along the river course is relatively decent place to fish for walleye. Other key areas in this river are weed beds. Pay specific attention to bottom structures such as tree stumps or rocks. Navigate these structures in as many ways as possible. There is no way to tell which direction walleye are facing on any given day. Key times to seek out walleye are during low light, warm water conditions.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best walleye fishing information possible. Go to http://www.askwalleyefishing.com/editorials/virginia-walleye-fishing.html for more information on Virginia walleye fishing.

Information About Saltwater Fishing Records

Fishing is something that has been enjoyed for what seems like forever. It may have begun as a food source but today people go fishing for many different reasons. Some find it relaxing and a great way to help them wind down from a hectic busy lifestyle. Others enjoy gathering together with friends and family to go fishing for the fun and excitement this sport can bring. It is certainly a great way to spend time together in a calm environment where you can get to know each other a little better and become closer.

Still, others fish for the thrill and excitement of bringing in that trophy fish so they can break someone else's saltwater fishing record. Could you imagine how exciting it would be to hold the top record for saltwater fishing? For many anglers it would be a dream come true and a wonderful experience they could treasure forever. The best part is the fact that this is a realistic dream that could actually happen.

Do you dream of beating existing saltwater fishing records? Do you hope to one day meet your own goals of making and breaking records in fishing? First it may help you to know of some of the existing and current records held in the types of fishing that you like and the areas that you fish in.

All you have to do is choose the species of saltwater fish you are interested in the most and start learning as much as you can about it. You will need to know which type of bait they like the best and which gear would be the most effective. Then you need to learn where the best places to fish for this species would be and the best places to locate them in the water. Take this knowledge and start practicing and you will have taken the first steps to breaking that record.

Saltwater fishing records keep track of who catches the largest fish at any given time. These are official records that will provide information such as the species of fish you caught, its weight and its length. There is no better way to prove you caught that big one than to have it placed in the official saltwater fishing records for everyone to see.

These records are kept for each of the individual states located in the United States. Therefore, it is possible to break a state record without breaking the national record so you have the opportunity to work your way up. There are five main species of fish located in the United States that anglers from all over compete for when it comes to breaking an existing record. These five are listed below.

* Bass
* Trout
* Catfish
* Redfish
* Crappie

If you think you may have tied or beat a state record for catching one of the species above, then you need to make sure that you report your catch to get the credit you deserve. There are certain procedures that need to be followed to make sure you get the proper credit for your catch. For instance, the first thing that needs to be done is for you to have the fish officially weighed in and measured. This has to be done on scales that are certified and recognized by the state.

If you have been identified as tying or breaking a state record you will receive a certificate that will acknowledge your accomplishment. This way you will always have proof that at one time you held the record for that states largest fish. Think of the stories you will be able to tell your kids and grandkids with the proof to back them up.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best saltwater fishing information possible. Go to http://www.asksaltwaterfishing.com/editorials/saltwater-fishing-records-info.html for more information on saltwater fishing records.

How To Catch Walleye In Kentucky

Walleye can sometimes be an elusive creature that forces anglers to think outside the box when trying to catch one on a line. Some days walleye hang out near the top of the water surface. Other days, they are content to lurk in the dark reaches of the water depths. Hiding behind large rocks and gravel overhangs for protection. It all depends on the day and mood of walleye. This white, flaky fish is suited for cold water in the medium water depths with gravel, sand or rock bottom surface.

Kentucky offers up a wealth of lakes and rivers that are home to walleyes of every shape and size. During spawn season, which occurs in early spring, walleye make the trek from the lakes into feeder streams. Other spawning areas include shallow clean surface bottoms that lie within tales reach of deeper waters. Walleye prefer murky water conditions with virtually no current.

One of the best lakes in Kentucky for fishing walleye is Dale Hollow Lake. This 28,000-acre lake is home to big sized walleye. Although the average is four pounds, there have been reports of walleye in excess of ten pounds or more coming from the waters. Situated along the Tennessee-Kentucky border approximately five miles south-west of Albany, Kentucky, Dale Hollow Lake is part of a hearty walleye stocking project. This results in flourishing walleye habitats that produce bigger size and quantities of the fish.

Other great Kentucky lakes for walleye fishing include the Green River Lake that is approximately two miles south of Campbellsville, Kentucky. Located in the central portion of the state, this lake is 8,200-acres in size. Another fantastic walleye hotspot is Lake Cumberland that produced the state record walleye weighing in at 21 lbs 8 oz. Located in the south-central portion of Kentucky, this lake is a massive 63,000-acres in size.

Outside of these, there is Laurel River Lake, which is 6,000-acres and located a mere two miles west of Corbin, Kentucky. Finally, there is Nolin River Lake for Kentucky walleye fishing. This 14,500-acre lake sits in the west-central portion of the state. In addition to lakes, Kentucky boasts a number of impressive rivers for walleye fishing. Some of the more notable ones include Worley and Blue Heron rivers.

The best times to fish in these rivers is nighttime during good moonlight exposure. With the right bait, walleye begin chasing what they think is a shiny minnow moving through the dark waters. Another river hotspot is the Joe Shoal. Sitting approximately one mile downstream from the Blue Heron Coal Mining Community Museum, this river reels in ten to thirteen pound walleye.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best walleye fishing information possible. Go to http://www.askwalleyefishing.com/editorials/kentucky-walleye-fishing.html for more information on Kentucky walleye fishing.

Saltwater Fishing Tournaments Are Extremely Popular

Every year there are many different fishing tournaments sponsored in almost every state. Anglers from all over participate in these tournaments for the fun, money, prizes and trophies. Many anglers find that taking part in saltwater fishing tournaments is a very rewarding and exciting experience they would not want to miss for anything else in the world.

You have several options when it comes to gathering information about saltwater fishing tournaments. For example, you can check with your local fishing and hunting clubs and organizations or sign up for newsletters and online notices to learn where and when they are taking place. You can also go online and look up saltwater fishing tournaments and you will find many sites that give you the name of the tournament, the state it is being held in, the dates and much more. Below you will find four of the top saltwater fishing tournaments that take place in the United States.

The Key West Fishing Tournament

The Key West Fishing Tournament is one of the most well-known because it runs for a full seven months. It starts in March and goes through November with a "Special Kickoff Tournament" that takes place on March 14th, 15th and 16th. You do not have to be a resident of Florida to take part in this tournament, visitors are welcome and it is open to the general public.

All you have to do to be a part of this tournament is enter the fish you catch at any tournament weight station. It does not cost anything to enter and you will be given a certificate that has the information about your entry that will also state you qualify to compete for the prizes.

One reason this tournament is so well-known is because men, women and children of all ages can participate. There is even a special group for children under ten years of age that is called the "Pee Wees" competition and children ranging from ten to fourteen can compete in the "Junior division".

The IFA Redfish Tour

The IFA Redfish Tour is one of the most recognized tournaments that takes place along the Inter-coastal waterways and involves inshore saltwater fishing. This tournament serves several purposes. For example, it gives anglers an opportunity to show off their talents and prove what a great fisherman they are.

Another purpose of this tournament is to raise the awareness of people everywhere concerning the importance of protecting the fishing resources of the world. Anglers have discovered how much the inshore fisheries have grown and are beginning to thrive since netting was banned. This has exceeded everyone's expectations and is part of what the IFA Redfish Tour is all about.

Ocracoke Invitational Surf Fishing Tournament

The Ocracoke Invitational Surf Fishing Tournament is held in the state of North Carolina. It is as an annual event that has been around for awhile. In fact, it is one of the most well-known catch and release tournaments located in the United States.

The winners of the Ocracoke Invitational Surf Fishing Tournament are well rewarded for their efforts. Not only will you earn the right to brag about your talents when it comes to saltwater fishing but you will also receive trophies and more. It is a very exciting tournament for everyone.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best saltwater fishing information possible. Go to http://www.asksaltwaterfishing.com/editorials/saltwater-fishing-tournaments-are-popular.html for more information on saltwater fishing tournaments.

"Can't Miss" Pennsylvania Walleye Fishing Techniques

Like other states, Pennsylvania walleye prefer spring for their spawning season. This takes place in shallow waters with sand, rock or gravel as bottom surfaces. Water temperature preferably falls into the 40 to 48 degree range with a slight current coming from either a nearby river or wind created current. Walleye will leave the comforts of rivers and head towards feeder streams to spawn.

Other suitable spawning locations encompass anything with shallow water and clean bottom surfaces. Another great time to strike at walleye is pre spawning periods. This can be a little tough to figure out. Start the search in warm water. As spawning time comes around, walleye will seek out warmer than normal water temperatures.

Inland bodies of water primarily on the northern lakeside are the best place to start. Sun lingers here just a little bit longer than the rest of the lake. This increases water temperatures, which will increase walleye stopping by. As water temperatures rise, plankton start to show, minnow follow the blooming plankton and walleye follow the moving minnow. Thus, the food chain is set in motion.

Once walleye spawn, females requires a few days of rest. After this rest period, they will be looking for that first meal. This results in a stronger than usual bit at anything that moves, including a fishing line. The same theory holds true for that pre-spawn period and actual spawn time. Ideal times of day for fishing walleye are sundown to midnight in the summer months.

Pennsylvania is home to some of the best rivers and lakes to chase walleye. The massive 12,000-acre Allegheny Reservoir holds the state record for a walleye catch. The record walleye weighs an impressive 17 lbs 9 ozs in size. This championship lake sits on the northern border of Pennsylvania in Warren.

Another reservoir location is High Point Reservoir. Here is a smaller, yet equally effective, 350-acre lake at Savage, Pennsylvania that is in the south-west portion of the state. Another equally impressive location is the Blue Marsh Lake. This 1,150-acre lake is in the east-central portion of the state in Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania.

Just a tad bigger is the Glendale Lake at 1,600-acres that makes a home in Fallentimber, Pennsylvania. Making up the western Pennsylvania border is Pymatuning Lake. This massive 14,600-acre lake is in Linesville, Pennsylvania. Neighboring this is the 11,000-acre Shenango River Lake in Clark. Rounding out the top walleye lakes in Pennsylvania are Lake Arthur standing 3,200-acres in size at Muddy Creek. Popular Lake Erie consumes 9,910-acres in north-west Pennsylvania.

In the other direction, heading northeast is Lake Wallenpaupack. This 5,600-acre lake makes a home in Paupack, Pennsylvania. Towards the south-west portion of the state lies the 2,800-acre Youghiogheny River Lake at Markleysubrg.

There is no right or wrong way to catch a walleye. These are not picky eaters. Walleye go after virtually anything that dangles right in front of them. Favorites on their menu include small fish, crustaceans, worms and insects. Pennsylvania walleye seem to prefer live baits, crank baits, spoons and spinner baits. Throw in some plastic worms and grub to expand their menu options.

Make every attempt to match bait selection with water conditions. For example, darker waters call for bright colors. Something along the chartreuse color family would work. In lighter water conditions, stick to natural colors or rainbow/silver fleck baits. Bait selection should closely mimic the time of year.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best walleye fishing information possible. Go to http://www.askwalleyefishing.com/editorials/pennsylvania-walleye-fishing.html for more information on Pennsylvania walleye fishing.

Winter Fishing Bass Tips - The Bite Against The Odds

Bass fishing in winter can be extremely difficult for several reasons. Of course, it will be cold and sitting on a half frozen lake will test the strength and endurance of any individual, but that is nowhere near as much of an issue as the fact that bass do not feed in winter and thus they are more than likely to completely ignore your bait. If you do want to prove yourself as a bass fisherman or woman then winter is the best time to do it because your skill and ingenuity could get you that elusive catch. However, you should be well prepared for the inevitable as well - if you do not get a catch then you need to rethink your game. However, with the following tips you may not need to rethink your strategy at all!

However, before we get into the tips, a little background on winter bass fishing may help you. Bass are most definitely cold blooded and thus their blood temperature rises and falls in line with the actual water temperature surrounding them. When their blood is at a low temperature, they barely move because their oxygen levels and heart rates are lower. They do not feed as a result either, as they do not need the energy and it takes far longer for them to digest food. For example, it may take them up to two days to digest a small fish if the water temperature nears 50 degrees. Any lower than that and it can take weeks. As a result, you really have to be quite conniving and do all you can to spur the bass into action.

Tip One - Slow Down! - As the bass move much slower and there will not be as much activity on the lake or river, you can afford to slow down your movements to match them. In fact, remaining static in the same place will give you a much better chance of catching bass. You should leave the bait in one place because you will then have more chance of a catch as the bass do not have to put in too much effort to get it. They will simply ignore moving bait.

Tip Two - Look for Bass - If the water is relatively clear and shallow then you may be able to see them just below the surface. If you can see them, then dangle the bait right in front of them and leave it completely still for as long as it takes for the bass to bite. This may take hours, but it probably will bite eventually! However, this is only useful if you can actually see the bass and they do tend to head for deeper waters or bank vegetation. It must therefore be an enclosed pool for this tip to really make a difference.

Tip Three - Use a Torpedo - Using a torpedo bait can help you to attract the fish. You can keep a torpedo bait in one place, but the reverberations actually attract the bass, drawing them to the bait because the vibrations will encourage their senses to propel them into a slow but sure search for food! Of course, torpedoes are not the only bait that actually has that feature so you can choose from any of the baits that tend to vibrate. Whichever one you use will give you an advantage when winter bass fishing!

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is commited to providing the best bass fishing information possible. Go to http://www.askbassfishing.com/editorials/more-winter-bass-fishing-tips.html for more information on winter bass fishing tips.

Hot Tips for Brainerd Walleye Fishing

If you love fishing for walleye, then Brainerd, Minnesota is the place to be. The walleye is one of the most sought after species that angler fish for today and there are plenty to be found in this area. In fact, you can find a large number of walleyes in the lakes of Brainerd. Here are some techniques and hot tips for Brainerd walleye fishing that will help you get the most out of all your fishing trips.

To catch a walleye you have to make sure the bait is very close to them and that it is moving slowly. Walleye normally don't bother to chase after their meals and they move even slower in the colder months. Therefore, using jigs and bobber rigs are the best gear to get the job done. The recommended jigs are the light colored ones such as white and yellow and the ones that weigh between 1/16 and 1/4 ounces, they just seen to work the best when fishing in Brainerd Minnesota. The walleye in this area tend to prefer live bait so you will find that minnows, night crawlers and leeches work very well.

However, you can also have some good luck with spinner baits, crankbaits, plastic worms and grubs. Keep in mind that when spawning season arrives the walleye are a lot more active and aggressive so other methods can work great during this time of year. Spawning starts when the water reaches a temperature somewhere around 47 degrees, which occurs just after the "ice out" begins. This is the time of year they are hungry so fishing with spoons can get you some fantastic results. In clear water the spoons have a flashing effect that gets the attention of the walleye. The spoons that have sound will also attract their attention and draw them to your line.

During spawning you can find them migrating away from the lake and swimming towards feeder streams. They will also be found in shoals, gravel ledges, submerged logs and similar items and around shallow bars that are located near the deep water that has clean bottoms. You will get the best results when fishing shallow to medium depths. The more you know about the area the easier it will be for you to locate the walleye during this time of year and when spawning is over.

Right after the spawning the male walleyes will begin to do some serious feeding while the females wait a couple weeks before they begin. This is an excellent time for Brainerd walleye fishing that can produce some exciting results. In the summer months they will in the shallow water in the early morning and late evening but if fishing during the day you need to search deeper and around structures to find them. Using bait that resembles crawfish is an excellent choice because the walleye are attracted to crawfish and you will get some great results.

When fishing for walleyes during the fall you will need to use crankbaits, spoons and jigs because these will work the best and they can be found in shallow to medium depths, mostly during the evening and morning hours. During the winter the walleyes respond best to spoons, jigs and plastic worms and they move very slowly so you must compensate for this. You will need to search for them in deep structures during the day and at medium depths in the early mornings.

Even though the walleyes are night feeders this doesn't mean that you can't fish for them during the day as well. This is especially true in areas where the water is dark and murky. You can als