Jul
27
Choosing A Graphite Freshwater Fishing Rod
July 27, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Purchasing a rod can be one of the most difficult parts of getting started in fishing. There are a dizzying array of options available, all claiming to be superior to the rods next to them. Before you jump into a decision you will regret, it always pays to educate yourself on just what it is you need to, and therefore should, acquire.
The first step in acquiring a fishing rod is to purchase a blank. This refers to the rod proper, which is a shaft of varying materials on which you mount a reel and some line. Shafts can be purchased in three different materials: graphite, fiberglass, and bamboo. Bamboo rods are generally used for fly fishing and can be quite expensive. Fiberglass rods are generally for beginner use, and are the type you find at your local Wal-Mart or other department type stores. Graphite is the material of choice for serious fisherman, and can be found many places online, or at your local sporting goods stores. For this article, we will concentrate on graphite rods.
Fishing rods come in varying strengths and will be measured in terms of modulus. Modulus refers to the density of the weave of the material from which the rod blank is fashioned. Graphite rods generally come with a modulus between 33 million and 60 million. The higher the modulus, the stiffer the rod will be. The higher modulus rods will also be lighter, faster, and more sensitive. As a trade-off however, high modulus rods are more brittle than lower modulus fishing rods.
Sensitivity is also an important factor when choosing a rod blank. As a general rule, the deeper the water that you are fishing in, the higher sensitivity you will want, so that you can feel the more subtle bites. The last thing you want is to have to go home and tell the story about the one that got away!
One factor that affects sensitivity of your rod, besides material of the shaft, is the handle construction. Usually the handles are made from cork or foam. You should ensure that the handle feels comfortable in your hand and that it is not too soft, otherwise you may not be able to feel those aforementioned subtle bites. Also, if you are fishing with any type of artificial bait, it is crucial to be able to feel the movement of the bait through the rod to ensure that you are enticing the fish in the proper manner.
To learn more about factors you should consider in choosing the proper rod, be sure to visit Angling Rods.com.
Allen Bohart is a fishing fan and enthusiastic writer for about any subject that interests him. He is also co-owner of AnglingRods.com, a site for and about fishing rod for fishermen of all levels.
Popularity: 2%
Jul
25
Fishing Diamond Lake: Return To Glory
July 25, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Finally.
After years of environmental impact studies, debate, and loss of aquatic bug life, the “Gem of the Cascades”, is about to begin it’s comeback as one of the best trout lakes in Oregon.
Once known for it’s rich aquatic life and fast growing trout, Diamond Lake in the southern Oregon Cascades has been battling an infestation of “chubs” for over a decade now. Without sugar coating it, some “YAHOO” decided to introduce live bait-namely the tui chub- to try and catch some of the large trout that used to swim in Diamond Lakes cool waters beneath the mighty sentinels of Mt. Thielson and Mt. Bailey.
As the chub prolifically reproduced to ungodly numbers, the trout were slowly squeezed out, as well as the bug life that once thrived in the shallows of the lake, leaving a “trout dead” lake and a ruined natural ecosystem. (Note: Diamond Lake historically is not known to have any native fish to it’s waters.)
That is about to change.
This September, around Labor Day, Diamond Lake is scheduled for a rotenone cleansing, which will kill off more than 200 million tui chubs, as well as what is left of the 35,000 -mainly planted- trout that are estimated to be left in the lake. Obviously, not a scene for the squeamish, the rotenone will choke off the oxygen in the lake, and it will be like Thanksgiving come early for hawks, eagles, racoons,and any one else who likes “chub chowder”.
The suffocated fish will float to the surface and the banks will be littered with the dead fish in what will surely be a memorable, albeit ghastly killing fields scene. I also guarantee that if you happen to comb the shores after the dirty deed is done, you will see some VERY LARGE Williamson River Trout that had been introduced into the lake a few years back to try and take a bite out of the chub population. Surely, many of these trout have been surviving, and showing up on fish finders as large 10 to 12 pound uncatchable blips.
Rotenone is a chemical/ plant extract which quickly breaks down in sunlight. According to numerous sources,when administered properly, the effect on wildlife, other than fish, is minimal. However, it is considered toxic prior to it’s chemical breakdown, and even though I have heard that humans can eat fish that have been treated by rotenone, I think I am going to opt for the pizza at Diamond Lake(which can be equally toxic) rather than the “pan fried poison trout almondine”.
There have also been some “bad experiences” with rotenone(see Davis Lake California) so I am sure many environmental groups will be monitoring the pre and post treated lake.
The last time Diamond Lake was treated was in 1954, and it took three years for the lake to return to an aquatic rich, trout smorgasbord.
But it did return, and there is no reason to think it won’t have the same results this time.
The bad news is, that sometimes the rotenone does not get all the invasive fish. Fish will find underwater springs where they can draw enough oxygen to survive, and the chub life cycle begins anew. That is why it so hard to eradicate illegally introduced fish once they are set free.
So MR. YAHOO, don’t put any chubs, goldfish, or other invasive fish into any body of water…PERIOD!!
While we wait for the treatment of the lake, the ODFW has increased the daily limit to 20 trout per day, with no size restrictions.So, if you are a guy or gal who likes to eat trout, or if you are normally a catch and release fishermen, now is the time to put some trout in the fridge–guilt free- because these fish are not long for this world.
I myself smoked up about 18 nice Diamond Lake trout the other day,so you better hurry because there are only 34,982 left!!
Or, you can come back mid-September and fill your freezer with 200 million Rotenone treated chubs….
A.J. Klott
Author, writer of fishing humor,and “fly tack” peddler.A.J. writes about the people,characters and modern day events that surround the fishing world. His first book is due out in December of 2005.
If you need a laugh or a fun gift, visit his website at:
http://www.twoguyswithflys.com
Popularity: 1%
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