If you like fishing you will like the different fish you can catch in Texas. Cutthroat, rainbow trout, lake trout, and brown trout can be caught in different locations in Texas

The brown trout are considered the be the hardest to catch. There survival is attached to pure cold water. This trout is very sensitive to water temperature changes. If the water temperature goes up by a few degrees the trout will die off, or move to a different location.

The rainbow trout are not affected as much by the water temperature changes should the water clarity get bad due to silt the fish will move out to the mouths of any stream with clear water This pink fleshy trout is the favorite with trout fishermen.

It feeds on small flies but can be tempted to strike small lures and other baits. This fish will remain in the shallow water till it reaches about 9 inches then it will head out to the lakes or ocean.

Once the trout have fattened up it will return to the streams from which they came. The fish are now called Steel head trout. If fishing for the Steel head trout you would use spoons rather than baits or flies. Use the current to you advantage and cast up stream and reel in at you regular speed being careful not to snag up as you reel in.

You will find brook trout in clear clean water Their food source is small insects and mollusks. Sometimes they will take smaller fish or flies. You can get them to hit on a small lure if it is presented along the edge of the faster slowing water. You will find brook trout on the gravel beds of fast flowing water.

They like waterfalls and large pools of water with a fast current on the out side of the pool. The fish tend to hang around between the current and the calmer water. If you find along a long the banks with fast flowing water and a deep pool you will find trout here.

The Crappie fish is a member of the sunfish family. Depending where they are found will depend on their names. Paper mouth , goggleye, bridge perch and speckled perch just to mention a few.

The black crappie is darker species and has 7 to 8 dorsal spines you will also find some with spotted sides. Normally they will be found in deeper water in the northern states.

The white crappie has 6 dorsal spines and is light in color. There are eight or nine vertical bands found on its sides. Normally they can grow over the five pound mark. Crappie are school fish that like quite waters. You can catch them by still fishing casting , trolling, or drift fishing.

Use live baits or a jig or a small crappie lure would be the best. If you find cover such as brush, stumps, in the area you are fishing. The best time to fish is at sunset for they will be on the surface.

As the sun rises and the rays strikes the surface of the water the fish will normally dive down to 5 to 10 ft mark. Depending on the clarity of the water which will also determine the depth they dive to. Normally they will return to the deeper water after sun set.

With all the different types of fish in Texas and along the coast of Texas you will find that you can spend as much of your time catch different fish from trout to crappie. Every stream pond lake or shore line can be a spot to catch many different fish.

If you do not fish while in Texas you will be missing out on a experience that will be hard to beat any where else. Most locals will tell you what is hot and which baits to use. You will be able to rent the gear if you do not have any with you from the local tackle shop.

© Copyright Bob Matsen, All Rights Reserved - You may republish this article with an active link to our site.

Sammy Salmon has been having fun fishing for years and wants to share all his knowledge with you so be sure to visit him at Fishing-For-Fun

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Where do you go to fish for salmon or steelhead in the U.S.? The answer is undoubtedly simple and obvious. For salmon and steelhead you need to travel to the Northwest ranging from northern California all the way up to Alaska.
The salmon and steelhead species are plentiful in the pacific coastal waters, streams and rivers that have consistent water flow and provide an ideal habitat for the spawn. Typically there are 3 spawns a year in the spring, summer, and fall seasons.

The average size of salmon ranges from 8-11lbs. Sometimes you may observe larger fish that weigh in close to 40lbs in remote areas around the northwest coast. In Oregon you can catch large river Chinooks that weigh in as much as 50lbs along the lower Rogue River.

Salmon between the ages of 2-7 years will head to the river where they spawned. They will trek over 7000 miles in the ocean to reach their original spawning grounds. The Yukon River in Alaska is one of the longest river spawns spanning 2000 miles up river.

Over time these spawning grounds have diminished. Housing and commercial development have choked off a lot of the smaller streams with silt. Awareness of the situation has created a volunteer movement to clean up and restore the spawning grounds. To their credit salmon have repopulated in these damaged areas.
When you head off to start fishing be sure to be advised of regulations implemented in the area you plan to fish. Make sure you know the size and keeper limits. Possessing a proper license will ensure you aren’t fined.

Your preferred method of fishing may vary, however by researching the local scene and asking the local anglers will increase your success. Salmon and Steelhead provide some of the best fighting for young and old alike.

Blake Stoffregen writes for various websites including 4fishing.com a online fishing equipment store.

Man’s best friend.

Who better to share time with when out on a fishing trip than….

….Man’s best friend.

I don’t know about your dog but any number of the pooches I have had in my lifetime have never had the ability to throw a five weight line let alone handle a level wind reel.

Something about the lack of opposable thumbs, has been a real handicap in making our faithful canine companions the perfect fishing partner.

Nonetheless, many a fishing trip has been made with either my dog or a bi-ped friends dog along for the experience. For me, dogs have always added to almost any outdoor experience, whether it be hiking, camping,bird hunting,mountain biking,or skiing.

Fishing, on the other hand is somewhat a different story.

In my mind, I have always dreamed of having that perfect pooch, the one that walks calmly by your side, curls up and takes a nap while you endlessly cast over and over for hours to trout filled waters. A dog that yawns, stretches, wags his tail and comes over to give your catch a sniff and a lick before you release your finny playmate back into his natural habitat.

Nice dream.

I don’t know about you, but most of the fishing/dog fishing experiences I have had– have not exactly fallen into the Hallmark special dog category.

More like a Mel Brooks comedy.

My dogs have usually been somewhat overexuberent in their fishing adventures, doing happy things like:

1)Running at breakneck speed and leaping into a fshing hole–especially one that you have belly crawled or “stealthily” snuck up on so as to not spook the fish– and then swam around in it, thanking you for finding such a wonderful place to cool down from racing up and down the banks. Most dogs I have had really love the water, in fact, I used to have a Husky that would swim halfway out into the river, pretty much scaring away any fish in a three county area.

2)Eating dead fish carcasses, which invariably lands your dog at the vets office, where six hundred dollars later, “mans best friend” does not so much as offer one thin dime or learn a small trick that might land you a spot on Letterman, so you can recoup some of your costs.

3) Rolling in dead things–or worse! Nothing like having your dog find something good and rank, up to and including animal excrement, giving a good roll in it, and then coming to snuggle up with you while you try to cast.

4) The old tangle up the line trick. Sure, most of the time you can’t get your dog calm enough to sit by your side, but want him to give you some room to cast a fly line, and he will walk on, over and through your line until he has some sort of Chinese string puzzle created, that only a nine year old girl can undo. Better yet, he will “sniff” around right in your backcasting zone until you eventually land a #6 Green Butted Skunk deep within his fur.

5) Speaking of Skunks. Nothing like the eye jarring, nose alarming smell of a two in the morning skunk rendezvous. Your faithful friend is mighty proud that he has saved the fish camp from the nightime intruder. This is especially enjoyable when you yell at the top of your lungs for him to get back in the tent–and then yell at the top of your lungs for him to get BACK OUT of the tent.

This has happened to at least four different dogs, and has left my camping rig and gear smelling like skunk for months. We have even given the old “tomato juice” baths right on the bank of the river before, which only makes the dog smell like a skunk pizza. Not to mention, the bath scene which resembles some sort of sickening bloodletting ritual–which induces calls to 911 from nearby campers.

The dog also usually likes this new man/dog bonding ritual and of course wags his tail profusely while self indulging himself in a virgin Bloody Mary, thereby splattering you with most of the tomato juice.

6) Fish wrestling. For the most part, your dog can care less about your fishing experience, usually wandering about looking for any of the aforementioned fun things to do. On the off chance you can concentrate long enough to actually catch and land a fish, and suddenly he is on top of your fish licking, tooth tagging, and generally treating your catch like a s”squeaky toy”.

If the fish is lucky enough to make it back into the water, he is sure to swear off eating worms for the rest of his days.

7) Dog flatulence. Do I really need to say anything else??

These are just a few of the many pleasures of fishing with your dog, and I am sure you have some interesting stories yourself.

Man’s best friend?

You bet. There is still nothing better than the companionship of our cold nosed, cow patty breathed, furry friends.

And any good fishing tale I have ever heard has been enhanced by the presence of the TAIL of man’s best friend.

Happy Tails To You….

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

Did you know that fly fishing is one of the most relaxing sports around? Casting a line into a calm stream can be said to be one of life’s greatest pleasures. Fly fisherman can seem a bit fanatic in their quest for the perfect river and the perfect spot to spend the day looking for a good catch. I’ve done a little research into the world of fly fishing vacations and have come up with the three tips that can turn your next fly fishing trip into an experience to remember.

1)Consider lesser known fly fishing spots. Did you know that there is absolutely incredible fly fishing available in a lot of states that wouldn’t seem obvious at first glance? There sure is. One such spot is Montana. True pros know that Montana has a ton of incredible fly fishing spots and that you only really need to find one to make your vacation incredible. During the summer, Montana and Wyoming can become very crowded with tourists looking to visit the stunning national parks. However, these 1 week tourists might not be overly interested in visiting the secluded lakes and streams that you might love to fish in Montana.

2)Compare online deals. Orbitz and Expedia can offer some really good deals on package vacations. However, sometimes it’s best to check out discount airlines for really good deals. Southwest and JetBlue have become extremely popular airline options and they cover a good part of the US now. Booking separate hotel and (a discount) airfare might be a great option if you want to save some bucks. You should spend your money on fly fishing gear, not overpriced transportation and accommodation.

3)Canada. This is the most important tip (and overlooked destination) of all. There is nothing quite as good as saving some money during the exchange rate process. Canada is just over the border and has an absolute bounty of natural resources. Lakes, ponds, and streams team with fish. This country is a fly fisherman’s dream come true. There are tons of places that will gladly book you in for a fly fishing vacation.

Linda Harrison is author of Fly Fishing Canada - A Reel Good Time.” Grab your copy at http://www.zippysflyfishing.com

As the surface of the water explodes, adrenaline shoots through your body. Your muscles lock you into position for a fight against whatever has just smashed your top water plug. No doubt about it, you’re in for a scrap. You sweat, ache, curse and pray you’ll get the fish into the boat. Your heart pounds as you wonder, “Will my knots hold? Did I set the hooks deep enough? Will everything hold together long enough for me to get this fish in?” The eventual catch is made all the sweeter by one outstanding fact - YOU hand crafted this plug yourself. It was you who dreamed it, whittled it, sanded it, painted it, and fabricated its every facet. Now you have your dividends in spades. There’s a fish on. But first, let’s hand craft a minnow-imitation, Rapala type lure.

Hand Crafting a Lure

To hand craft wooden top water fishing plugs requires minimal equipment. Here’s what you basically need:

• 5″ long Wooden plug blanks, sawed off from an old broom or mop handle You can also use wooden dowel stock

• A whittling knife or a box-cutter with break-off blades

• Small cans of white, red, yellow and blue enamel paint to color the lure

• Two Plastic doll eyes for each lure (the kind where the black eye part moves around)

• 3 or 4 Long-threaded screw eyes in brass or stainless to attach hooks and leaders

• A small spool of red or white sewing thread for wrapping on buck tails

• 3 or 4 number 5, 6 or 7 stainless steel split rings to attach hooks and leaders

• Barrel swivels to help prevent line twist above the leader

• A few 3″ to 4″ square pieces of medium to fine sandpaper to finish the lure surface

• 4″ lengths of nylon ribbon or nylon rope to make the buck tail

• A tube of Super glue to cement in the screw eyes into the plug body

• Rubber cement to seal the thread wrapping of the buck tail

• A little love, patience and a sense of pride to add to the patina of your work

Lure Assembly Procedure

The procedure is simply to whittle down the wooden plug into a minnow-like shape, then sand the plug body to a smooth finish. Screw in the screw eyes, back them out, fill the holes with super glue then immediately screw them back in. You’ll need one screw eye in the head, one in the belly and a tail screw eye. Paint the lure with a color pattern of your choice. The lure assembly should thoroughly dry for at least a day in good sun. You want solvent odors and residue gone completely.

Make big, bug-eyed lures

Attach lure eyes with super glue. Use the largest doll eyes that you can for the lure size. Yes, the bigger, the better. They drive the fish nuts, so you want a big-eyed lure. Attach hooks to belly and tail screw eyes using split rings. Wrap a buck tail on to the tail hook shank using the sewing thread. I like red thread with a white buck tail. Coat the thread with rubber cement to seal it. Use a fine comb to “comb out” the buck tail so it’s nice and fluffy. It should be just a bit longer than the hook. I use a moustache comb and small scissors to trim it up just so.

Attaching Terminal Tackle

Clip or tie on your leader or leader material. For strictly salt water use, I always use stainless steel wire leaders which are wrapped or double-looped and hand-tied on. The lure assembly should thoroughly dry for at least a day in good sun. You want solvent odors and residue gone before its baptism in seawater.

The final step is to test your lure by trolling it a moderate speed about thirty yards behind your boat. Just be ready for an explosive strike. Then, as the surface of the water explodes …

Prof Larry M. Lynch is a bi-lingual copywriter, expert author and photographer specializing in business, travel, food and education-related writing in South America. His work has appeared in Transitions Abroad, South American Explorer, Escape From America, Mexico News and Brazil magazines. He lives in Cali, Colombia, fishes the South American Pacific coast, Amazon and Orinoco River basins for exotic salt water and fresh water game and food fish. For no-obligation information on how to get original, exclusive Exotic fishing stories, fishing technique articles, fishing-action photography and one-of-a-kind content for your fishing-related newsletter, blog or website contact him today at: lynchlarrym@gmail.com for a free, action photo-packed, South American fishing adventure article.

Fish finder

Imagine you’re sitting out there on your fishing boat, you whip out a cool gadget you just bought from the Internet and after a couple of beeps, the device tells you that there is a school of fish some 3 meters or so away from you. Now, how cool can that be? It’s almost like an ultrasound scan of the sea or the lake that tells you exactly where the fish are.

But of course, this is not news because many different companies have developed their own ultrasound-like fish finding gadgets a long time ago. But Maptech’s new i3 module is the first of its kind. It’s the first ever touch screen, hi-resolution 3D Fishfinger. Yes, you can literally see the kind of fish that’s swimming around under your boat, in super clear images and in real time.

The i3 Touch Screen command on the fishing gadget can help you navigate the floor of the lake or sea with a radar, combine it with satellite communication and a weather report too.

This is an absolutely MUST for those who seriously looking into easy-fishing.

Monofilament fishing lines

There’s absolutely nothing worse than to have a fish on the hook and have the line snap! Well, no more snapping of fishing line with the latest development in monofilament fishing lines. Monofilament fishing lines come in a wide range of colors, sizes, thickness and strength. Although it’s stronger than some of the other more conventional fishing lines, they are cheaper. Monofilament fishing lines comes with special coating that keeps them from snapping easily. The only thing is that they don’t stretch as good as other types of fishing lines but they make up for it with their bulk and strength.

Monofilament fishing lines are also quite transparent over the water and hold knots pretty well.

Fashion is always cool too

Sometimes, cool has nothing to do with technology. It’s got more to do with the brain and ‘creativity’. If your husband, brother, or father is a fishing fanatic, you can always get them fashionable fishing gear with extra pockets to place their scissors and hooks. Perhaps the water-proof raincoat with fluorescent streak for night fishing, perhaps. And how about the water-proof watch? That’ll work perfectly. And how about an X-LOOP flash mirror polarized lens? Sunglasses for baking in the sun and raincoat for fishing in the rain are exceptionally cool gears we cannot ignore.

Let’s take the sunglasses as an example. The sunglasses not only remove the glare and improve the quality of what you see with your naked eye, you see the same scene in deep colors and contrasts. These sunglasses are developed specifically for fishing enthusiasts.

Dylan Miles, journalist, and website builder, lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of http://www.fishingcreek.info on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.

Fishing Unfamiliar & Fly-in Lakes

There is a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment - the pride of craft - that comes with a successful day’s fishing on a new, unfamiliar or fly-in lake, whether it is a limit of bass, a few walleyes for shore lunch, or a trophy pike. Not because putting fish in the boat is the measure of a successful outing, but because that success underlines the fact that the angler has effectively adapted to the existing fishing situations and conditions, making necessary changes in bait / lure selection, presentations and locations. That, in itself, is no small feat, even at fly-in lakes which supposedly teem with naive fish. Let me assure you that we always breathe a sigh of relief (even on fly-ins) after having caught a few fish for that first shore lunch. Once that initial success has been realized, the rest of a fishing trip takes care of itself.

Plan to succeed

• Pre-trip Research & Planning
• Upon Arrival
• A Working Map
• Productive Tactics

On new lakes, you need a systematic approach that will greatly improve the chances of near-immediate success and good catches, even when fishing an unfamiliar lake - given the fact that time is almost certainly a limiting factor. To maximize your time and enjoyment of a day’s fishing or a remote trip, you need a system. Here’s the Ontario Fisherman’s oft-tested and proven approach.

Pre-trip Research & Planning

In spite of the fact that most fly-in and many road-accessible lakes offer great fishing opportunities, anglers should develop and execute a plan for fishing any unfamiliar lake. Without such a strategy, too much time on a short trip can be spent searching for fish or prime locations. Notice that I did not say “wasted”. No systematic survey of a lake should be considered a waste of time - even when fish are not caught.

One key to finding fish consistently is to quickly eliminate “empty” water, and one way to do that is through trial and error. Better, though, to spend as much time as possible actually fishing a promising or proven location. This can be best accomplished with a two-pronged, strategic approach - one prior to the trip; the other on the water.

Before putting the boat in the water, “explore” the destination lake on paper through the examination of available maps and charts. Many times, gaining a thorough knowledge of the lake and the identification of potential hotspots can be accomplished without even getting in the boat.

Check available map & chart sources, including:

• MNR-produced “fishing maps”
• lodge / camp fishing & navigation maps
• MNR stocking lists & maps
• resource management plans
• topographic maps
• hydrographic / lake-bottom contour maps
• resources maps & plans (e.g. logging)
• maps prepared by previous groups
• canoe / hiking route maps
• maps prepared by local clubs
• sanctuary maps & notices
• aerial photographs & satellite images

Speak to others with experience on the lake, including:

• local anglers
• MNR district fisheries personnel
• guides / charter operators
Trout Fishing Basics. eBook for beginners.
• suggested references (by phone)

Immediately after booking a trip work through the above lists - a task easily managed if your group shares in the research. Besides, it is actually fun trying to figure out the lake, sight unseen and even better when you discover that some of your assessments were correct. And, having done some of the “leg work” prior to the trip, you will have considerably more time for a thorough “on-the-water” survey once you reach your destination.

Upon Arrival

Arriving at your departure point or fly-in airbase, the work begins again. Now is the time to ask others about the destination to which you are headed, including:

• outfitter / air service personnel
• bait & tackle shop proprietors
• cottagers, campers, canoeists
• fishing / conservation club members
• lodge operator / guides
• camp clientele (especially repeaters)

A Fly Over

If your group is flying into a remote outpost or lodge, ask the pilot to do a “fly over” of the lake(s) you will be fishing. With a rough, photocopied outline map in hand, look for and mark any:

• congregations of boats
• adjoining back lakes
• inflowing / outflowing streams
• shoals, sunken islands, points
• large weedbeds / weedlines
• log jams / shoreline cover
• rapids, dams
• lodge / cabin location

Previous Party Info

Upon arriving and unpacking, with map in hand, talk to departing anglers about the lake, the fishing, and the camp, including:

• fishing hotspots
• proven baits & tactics
• reasonable expectations (numbers, size)
• boating hazards
• boats & motors
• camp gear & appliances
• portages / trails to back lakes
My Ice Fishing Secrets. Earn 40% people download it and pay.
• shore lunch site(s)
• bait availability / minnow traps
• sanctuary areas

A Working Map

By now, that rough outline map could be pretty marked up, hopefully with useful bits of information and locations that will make those first outings on the lake safer and more productive. Take a few moments to re-draw the map more precisely , and give each “boat” in your party their own map to record useful findings. As the map develops, it won’t be a pretty sight, but its value will be inestimable later and on subsequent trips. As you fish and explore the lake or river over the course of your stay, mark on the map:

• fishing hotspots
Bass Fishing System.
• landmarks / hazards
• current flows & direction
• good shoreline stretches
• prime cover areas
Bass Fishing Basics. Learn to catch more Bass even if you’re a beginner.
• mid-lake weedbeds
• structural elements

Never be without a portable depthfinder when fishing an unfamiliar lake or river. Depending on its capabilities, the graph (apart from displaying the bottom contours and water depths) can provide other important data to help you in your survey, including:

• breakline
• deep-water basins
• fish / baitfish
• bottom “content”
• structural specifics
• water temperature
  Carp Fishing Secrets. The carp angler’s bible. Over 270 pages of carp fishing advice from the home of carp fishing.
• trolling speed

Productive Tactics

Hey, we are fishermen, not cartographers - so let’s go fishing ! At the risk of oversimplifying the strategies used to explore and fish an unfamiliar lake, break down your approach as follows:

• prepare the “working map”
• parcel the lake into manageable sections
• cover water quickly
• use a variety of lures / techniques
The Fly Fishing GuideBook. A Complete Step-By-Step Training Kit Filled With The Latest And Proven Fly Fishing Techniques.
• eliminate unproductive water
• pinpoint fishing “hotspots”
• update the map continuously

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Parcel Up the Lake / River

It’s easy to be overwhelmed on a new lake, especially larger ones. Instead, divide the lake into more manageable sections, and treat each as if it were a separate lake. As each boat explores, fishes, and maps a section, information is shared and. Later, checked out by the others to verify the findings. Even very large lakes can be quickly cut down to size using this approach. However, if there is only one boat and five lake sections, start with the most promising or highly recommended section in order to get on fish quickly and to avoid wasting valuable time checking out “empty water” for half the trip.
On rivers, this system is especially easy and effective. Devoting a half-day to each stretch provides diversity, yet still allows for more time to be devoted to the “best” spots later.

Cover Water Quickly

In a relatively short time you will want to explore, fish and map a designated portion of the lake with hopes of locating the most productive spots in that section. To do this, move quickly - trolling fast-breaking shorelines, casting exposed shoals, working along weedlines with spinnerbaits, spinners or spoons. If fish are caught, it may be an area deserving of a slower, more precise attack later. First, however, finish the surveying task you set out to accomplish. Mark it on the map and come back later.

Similarly, if a promising or recommended area comes up empty, switch tactics or return to it late in the day (as you re-visit the hotspots identified over the course of the day). Fishing live baits, drifting approaches, backtrolling, float and still fishing are too slow for this part of the hunt but will serve you well later as you probe key spots more slowly and thoroughly.

Eliminate Unproductive Water

It’s said that “you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear”, so don’t waste precious fishing time on “empty water”. On the working map, cross out shallow back bays choked with weeds, areas with “ooze” bottoms or less than six feet of water. Abandon shorelines which slope gradually to deeper, regular bottoms. Forget most of the lake’s deepest basins (more than 25 feet). Forget casting to reeds growing atop sand bars under just two or three feet of water. This approach will effectively eliminate more than two-thirds of most lakes and will not only save you time and frustration, but will also assure that most of your precious fishing time is spent in more productive areas.

Of course, there are exceptions to every example stated above - bass in the slop, early season pike in the shallows, lake trout in the depths, but most are seasonal movement patterns, which, in turn, help to eliminate other areas which might be better during a different part of the fishing season.

Pinpoint & Mark Prime Spots / Cover / Structures

With much of the lake already eliminated during the initial scouting process, keying on the lake’s prime spots and structural features should be much easier now. Fish promising or recommended spots slowly and thoroughly. When a good spot and good catches come together, accurately mark the spot in your GPS unit, with a floating marker buoy or carefully triangulate the exact location using nearby and obvious landmarks. Immediately mark them on the working copy of the map (in colour).

Update the Map

Either for your own use on subsequent trips, as a favour to groups that follow, or as a courtesy to the outfitter, keep the map up to date as it has considerable value to all parties involved. Mine come in handy when I summarize fishing trips for magazine articles and for the countless inquiries I receive each year via e-mail. Show me yours, and I’ll show you mine !

Arranging and planning the annual fishing trip for the “boys” or your family is an important and demanding task at the best of times. When daring to venture to unfamiliar destinations, the uncertainties regarding the details and the fishing opportunities are accentuated still further. This season, when the time comes to head out to that unfamiliar lake or river, have your homework done, a “working map: at the ready, and a strategic approach for surveying and fishing the lake in mind. Anxieties will be lessened, the chances of success heightened. And, as you have, no doubt, heard and read many times, confidence plays a very large part in any successful fishing outing. But now you are ready! Enjoy your trip.

Online since 1998 by long-time OFM field editor, Bill Rivers, the Ontario Fisherman is now taking on a new look, but remains committed to showcasing “the best of Ontario sportfishing”.

href="http://www.ontariofisherman.com/home.htm">Ontario Fisherman Resources

Making glow in the dark lures is easy, very fun and could be a profitable hobby. It has long be known by anglers that a huge attraction getter for fish it the use of light. Wether that be the color of the lure or the spinner it has attached,light triggers a reflex in the fish that makes them hit it. Often anglers are faced with the task of over coming dark or murky, muddy water to catch the smart little critters. One way many fisher men and women are turnig to over come this issue is glow in the dark lures.

I am not going to go into great detail about what is glow in the dark powder and why does it glow. You can visit www.glonation.com to get the technicial stuff. What I will discuss is how easy it is to make these.

Glow in the dark paint and powder can be purchased from many retailers off the net. You can buy the paint premade or make it yourself.

If you are going to spray paint your lures such as plastic hard body minnows or chubs. Mix one ounce of glow in the dark powder to three ounces of your clear paint.Then spray with a air brush. Use the fine mesh powder. Stir often and use the widest #5 air bursh needle you have to help slow down the clotting. You will have to clean the air brush good after each use. The green or blue glow powders work best here. They are the brightest and longest glowing. Green around 13 hours and Blue around 4 hours.

If you are going make plastic worms. Use any soft worm plastic and mix the glow powder into it while it is melted. Stir and pour. I suggest letting it cool slightly, not to much, and stir just before pouring. The glow powder needs to be suspended in the plastic. If you want to add color add it just before the powder. Go light on the color so the glow comes through.

It takes UV light to activate the powder. Sunlight being the best. You ask?? What if the sun is not out, will my lures glow. Yes! they will. If it is overcast UV light is shinning down it will take a little longer for the powder in or on the lure to activate, but it will glow. Some people who ice fish use a small hand held black light. Cheap to buy and works great.

Other fishing items this stuff is good for is to paint the tip of your fishing rod for night catfishing. Also floats or bobbers are made to glow by painting them.

GloNation.com hopes these ideas help in your quest to land the big one. Just maybe glow in the dark paint or powder will help.

Troy Myers operates GloNation.com. GloNation supplies fishermen, crafters and artist with glow in the dark paint and powders. Very bright and very long glowing all GloNations products are commerical grade and top quality. Please vist us at. http://www.GloNation.com

Your fishing gear can help you land the big one, so you should make sure you choose wisely when it comes to lures, reels and rods. It isn’t always the most expensive piece of equipment that wins - you have to present the right lure to the fish in order to get him to bite. Depending on the conditions and where you are fishing, you may want to be sure our tackle box is filled with equipment that will tackle any fishing situation.

Fishing lures come in all shapes sizes and colors. Some look like they belong on a disco floor while others are more subtle. Of course, you will want to have a wide range of lures in your arsenal, but when you are fishing you want to make sure you cast the right one out. In order to do that you need to know a bit about the fish you are trying to catch. Find out what he eats and pick a lure that resembles that.

The color of your lure can tempt a fish that might not otherwise bite. Match your lure selection to the type of water you are fishing. If the water is full of sediment, then pick a brightly colored lure. If you are fishing a crystal clear body of water then choose more natural colors. Dual colored lures work good in muddy streams as well.

It’s also important to have a good quality reel for fishing. If you are picking out a fly reel be aware that there are two types of drag systems. This is what provides the tension on the line and prevents the fish from running away with the line. You want to be sure to pick the right reel and drag tension if you are going after those larger fish.

Of course, you also need a great fishing rod and they come in many styles. Depending on the type of fishing you will be doing, you could choose a fly rod, surf casting rod, casting rod or deep sea rod. Using the right rod is imperative for a successful fishing trip. Quality is important too as the low quality rods break and fall apart easily. You don’t want that to happen when you are reeling in the big one!

The best rods today are made of graphite, they are the strongest but still lightweight. When selecting a rod, make sure the cork fits properly and the guides appear to be durable. Also, the guides should be covered with paint or something that will protect it from rust.

If you are planning an early morning fishing trip, it’s best to select your fishing gear the night before and test it out. That way you can run out to the store if you don’t have that perfect lure or your reel isn’t working properly. Make sure everything is working and you have enough line wound on your reel. Don’t forget to pack enough hooks, sinkers and other accessories.

Make sure the equipment you select is geared for the type of fishing you will be doing. The rods, reels and lures you will use differ depending on if you are in a fast moving stream or fishing from a canoe on a quite lake. Of course, the species of fish you are after makes a big difference in your choice of equipment as well.

So next time you plan a fishing trip, make sure you plan ahead and find out what the fish are eating at this time of year and what the water is like. Select your gear accordingly and you’ll be landing that prize catch in no time!

Lee Dobbins writes for Fishing Around where you can find out more about all types of fishing and how to make the best of your next fishing trip.

Every true angler knows that no matter the species being fished the prime time starts when the ice melts. This is when male fish will start moving into shallow spawning grounds and more importantly 1-3 pound walleyes.

To seek out the best spawning points you’ll want to look for shallow sloping sand bars or points with small rocks and gravel. This is when the male walleye will start actively feeding. This feeding frenzy will last around a month before and after spawning. The bigger female walleyes are difficult to catch while the spawn is in full swing, but can be caught during the pre-spawn.

Your best method for catching active male walleye is in early spring fishing very slow. Fast moving bait isn’t going to attract them as they are cold-blooded and the water temperature is what regulates their metabolism. Wait until the late spring for your more aggressive fishing methods.

You’ve heard of ‘Location, Location, Location’ for keying in on business opportunities, however it also applies to late winter and early spring walleye fishing. Add ‘Presentation, Presentation, Presentation’ to that, and you will learn that image is key to this species of fish. Look for cover and obstacles in some sort of pattern. Cast out and entice them to come out and snag your bait, presenting a natural image. Typical walleye will dart out and grab the bait, and return back to its cover to finish the meal and await the next.

One keen difference between the walleye and other fish species is their tendency to remain in the shallow waters throughout the year. You’ll locate more aggressive walleyes in these shallow regions sticking to their cover than you will in the deeper waters.

Understanding the physical properties of the water is an advantage you should focus on. The water’s current will determine whether the fish are holding out in groups or scattering. In strong currents walleye tend to group up in tight patterns along structure.

Concentrate on the shallower waters and locate schools of bait fish as this is the walleye’s main forage. The fish that are going to get you the strikes are the ones that are keeping up with these schools in as little as 2ft. of water.

I always say the best techniques and tactic will come from the local anglers. Ask questions and seek advice and tips. Wet a hook and good luck on your next walleye fishing trip.

Blake Stoffregen writes for various websites including http://www.4fishin.com, a online fishing equipment store. He’s an experienced web developer and enjoys fishing as well.

As we move into December, for many fishermen this marks the beginning of the “Dark Season” of fishing.

By “Dark”, I don’t mean anything secretive, nor do I imply any sort of clandestine operations taking place on our rivers and streams.

By “Dark”, I simply mean the time of year when it is cold, gloomy,wet, and short of light–you know- perfect steelhead weather!!

Which is exactly my point.

Not that I don’t appreciate the time when I can reflect on the years past “light filled” fishing adventures, places like, The Henry’s Fork, The Rogue,The Kenai, The Owens, The Klamath–(and a few places I won’t mention)–Or, grabbing a good book, re-charging my fishing wires-while the fish enjoy a break from the trevails of being a fish. And not that I don’t appreciate the time to sit and tie the two fly patterns I know, and pick up magazines and start to plan out next year’s wish list,BUT the year isn’t over and there are still some fantastic fishing opportunities still out there.

One of the real nice things about this time of year is the lack of fishing pressure. Unless you live in the southern U.S., or have the means to fly to Patagonia and start the second season, most folks aren’t really too excited to venture into sub freezing temperatures and chip ice off of the ferules on their fishing rods.

So while most fishermen are content to grab the remote, watch some guy grab a bass by the lips and have another egg nog, others are out there enjoying the solitude of the season.

With todays’ hi-tech clothing technology, except when fishing in the Arctic or Swen and Ole’s six inch hole in the ice, you can pretty much get yourself suited up to spend two or three hours comfortably outdoors chasing fish that usually have enough sense to remain where it is relatively warm.

At least WARM for a fish.

Fish don’t stop feeding in the winter and the results can be INCREDIBLE!!

Even fly fishermen, if they can get their fingers to work on a size twenty-six midge, can coax fish up to the surface to take a microscopic offering.

Again, the point here is, if you put a little preparation, and thought into your fishing endeavors, you can still be out there enjoying the sport during the “Dark Season”. It sure beats sitting around eating Aunt Holly’s Double Lard Fruitcake!!

To me, there are still very little downsides.

Unless of course you count hypothermia,frostbite and freezing to death as downsides.

Of course, for some of you, sitting in a fish hut on some frozen lake, or standing in the steady drizzle of a Northwest rain, or cross country skiing to your fishing hole still won’t sound like fun to you, so there is always Patagonia and New Zealand.

Thank God for Visa cards…..

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

To see a fisherman perfectly mastering a double-handed fly rod is rare enough. When the fisherman turns out to be a woman, we are in the realm of the exceptional. It was on the banks of the river Blackwater in southeast Ireland that we met Glenda Powell. She teaches the art of salmon fishing with talent.

Portrait
Northern Irish - Glenda grew up in the suburbs of Belfast. A place where you learn quickly not to let others walk all over you. Her uncle was the best fisherman in the family. She was only nine years old when he died and left her a precious legacy - all his fishing tackle. Under the amused gaze of her three sisters and other boys of her age, she decided - with a determination well beyond her nine years - to learn to use it by herself. Not easy by any means, but more a question of pride. Within a few years, many Northern Irish trout had paid the ultimate tribute to her ability with the worm and then the fly rod. Even as an adolescent, she knew that fishing would be the focal point of her existence.

Good, and now ……….
Do we go fly-fishing or would you prefer that we go and catch a salmon?
Glenda’s question is clear.

The fly is beautiful, and she has just given us a superb demonstration. Single Spey or double, roll cast, snake roll and other subtle variations on the theme of double handed fly-casting, she executes them all gracefully.
But the Blackwater is running bank high and the water’s colour lives up to its name. Not much hope with a fly rod in these conditions. For the worm, on the other hand, the conditions are good.

But her preference is to teach fishing and fly casting, to teach her clients the basics of double handed fly casting or to correct the bad habits of the more experienced anglers (we all have them!). She loves teaching fishing. “I prefer teaching individuals or small groups. The most important factor is not to stress the clients. A beginner must feel at ease. Before he picks up the rod, I always start by explaining what he will have to do - how and why. Always in plain English. I demonstrate how it should be done, and break it down into the important steps. The pupil must see the correct movements - his goal is to emulate them. Then, before he starts to fish, I point out the stages which could cause problems. It’s easier to avoid an impasse if the pupil is aware of the difficulty”.

For Glenda, this psychological aspect is very important.
“It’s no good drowning the pupil with details, but to bring out the essential points. If he has problems with a particularly difficult movement, I don’t insist. We go on to something else, less difficult, but in any case different. When he has regained his confidence or changed his ideas, we go back to it - and things invariably go better”.

Consequently, even during a fly fishing lesson, she won’t hesitate to suggest a couple of runs with the worms or a few casts with a spinner, just to put him at ease.

“I’m not a fly fishing purist. I love fishing worms in particular. To fish them with the right weight & speed down the right line isn’t so easy. Then - the sensation of the salmon taking the worms whilst we give him line - the suspense is much more prolonged than a pull on the fly or a hard hit on the spinner”.

I watched Glenda fishing with worms. She knows exactly what she’s talking about.

In fishing, a woman’s place is always marginal.

In spite of a competence and experience of Atlantic salmon fishing that few people of her age possess, we could well ask if the fact of being a woman isn’t a handicap in her chosen profession.

“Of course, some men don’t like the idea of learning to fish from a woman. But they are few and far between and, overall, I think it’s positive for the learning process. Advice is often better accepted by a man from a woman than from another man. Not getting blocked, vexed or stressed is undoubtedly easier. Not withstanding, a woman doesn’t have the right to make a mistake. Much more than a man, she must strive for excellence to remain credible.

As for female pupils, they are still few and far between in Glenda’s clientele. But her observations paint an interesting portrait of the fisherwoman.

“A woman who fishes is rarely average. If she does so solely to please her man, without real motivation, she’s a lost cause. At best, she will remain mediocre, and progress little with time. On the other hand, if she fishes for herself with a real passion, then she will probably be extremely good. To persevere in this predominantly macho sport where women are at best tolerated, necessitates an approach & motivation which permits her to progress above the level of the normal fisherman.

The Spey-casting Myth
Teaching and perfecting the use of a double-handed rod are Glenda’s speciality:

“There is a myth surrounding the Spey cast. Many fishermen who master the use of a single-handed rod for conventional casting have a complex about spey-casting.

It’s true that to learn the spey-cast is complicated by the habits of casting single-handed.
Generally, the right-handed fisherman who picks up the double-handed rod completely underestimates the role of the left hand. He imagines that it only serves to support the rod, which requires two hands purely because it is longer and heavier.

In fact, it’s the scissor movement between the two hands that gives all the power to the cast.

Until this manipulation is mastered, it is impossible to cast correctly. The rest in simply a variation of a roll cast. When a pupil already knows how to do this with a single-handed rod, they already feel more at ease”.
Glenda has some memorable moments in her time as a casting instructor of which she is particularly proud. The story of the sturdy man, who in spite of being a keen fisherman, had given up after trying for years to spey-cast properly. After 20 minutes of teaching, he was casting right across the river. Tears of relief flowed down his cheeks as the frustration of so many years trying in vain evaporated. Two days later, a large bouquet of flowers arrived for her with the message “I’ve always been in the dark with my spey-casting - thank you for showing me the light”.

Then there was the story of the guy who caught his first salmon on fly with her on the Blackwater after fifteen years of trying in Scotland, Norway & elsewhere.

But her favourite tale is the one about the Royal Air Force veteran with two wooden legs as his were blown off in the Second World War. At the tender age of 86, he caught his first ever salmon on his second day fishing with her.

Indulging one’s passion throughout the seasons on a magnificent salmon river, it’s the little boy’s dream that still haunts many a fisherman.
In a Belfast suburb, a little girl had the same dream……..

Glenda Powell’s webpage: http://www.ireland-salmon-fishing.net/Tuition/Tuition.htm

Original Article written by Olivier Plasseraud (editor - Salmo magazine) & translated & edited by Ian Powell from the French original.
Ian Powell can be reached via the website
Angling for Salmon on Ireland’s Cork Blackwater on
http://www.ireland-salmon-fishing.net

Planning a perfect fishing trip isn’t as easy as loading your tackle box into the car and setting off in the direction of water. You need to really define what exactly you want in your fishing experience and plan accordingly.

There’s lots to consider when planning your trip and even more so if you are planning a trip with buddies or for your family. Not everyone has the same idea when it comes to the perfect fishing trip and a little bit of planning can help make it a trip everyone can enjoy.

Here’s some things to consider for your next fishing trip:

Catching That Perfect Fish

Before you can catch the perfect fish you have to decide which species of fish you want to go for. While some people love trout others might be avid bass fisherman. Since bass are found in warm waters and trout in cold waters, someone might be disappointed if you did not consider the type of fish before picking a location.

Deciding on what type of fish you want to catch narrows down your destinations for you a bit which can help in further planning. Don’t worry though, there’s plenty of places to go no matter which type of fish you are angling for!

Size Or Quantity?

Some anglers like to catch fish after fish after fish. They aren’t happy unless they are reeling them in and size isn’t really that important, although there’s always that hope that the next nibble could be a big one. Others are only interested in catching the big fish in the pond and will sit patiently all day waiting for him to give a nibble.

While there are many places that offer an opportunity for both types of fishing, this should be discussed beforehand so that each member of the trip can be sure they are getting the type of fishing they enjoy.

Fishing Style

One other thing to consider is the method you will use to catch the fish. Will you be wading into streams? Trolling? Deep sea fishing? Each one is a different experience and many people have their preference. Make sure your group agrees on a method of fishing and that the destination you are thinking about offers that type of fishing.

Cost

As with anything, what you can afford will largely impact what you can get for your fishing vacation

You need to get together with your group and decide what you can spend. Perhaps you will have to make some compromises such as sleeping in a tent instead of a cabin so you can afford a couple days with a good local guide.

The hard part here is getting everyone in the group to agree on how much to spend and where to put the bulk of the money. One way to save money is to do your own cooking or have everyone in the group bring a frozen dish along (enough to feed everyone) and you’ll have free meals for several nights.

When planning your trip, don’t forget about shower and bathroom facilities - especially if this is a family trip. If you have opted for camping, the showers and bathrooms will be community so you will have to share. A cabin on the other hand will provide some privacy.

So, if you really want a great fishing trip, start by planning just exactly what you want out of the trip and how much you are willing to spend. Do it right and you can have the fishing trip of a lifetime.

Lee Dobbins writes for Fishing Around where you can find out more about all types of fishing and how to make the best of your next fishing trip.

Fly Fishing in saltwater has become so popular in the last twenty five years in the Florida Keys that the Bonefish census board determined each fish is “worth” about 3,000.00. This is mostly due to the overwhelming amount of tourist who visit the Florida Keys each year to go fishing.

Fly fishing in saltwater has always been a known sport amoung its enthusasts but not until the last few decades has it sparked an interest in many more anglers. It provides the ultimate challenge to many, the cast must be perfected, take into account the wind, the moving fish, the moving boat, and you have your perfect saltwater fly fishing scenario.

Many fly rodders flock to the Florida Keys each year for the annual Tarpon migration. Depending on the temperatures, tarpon can start showing up in the lower Keys as early as February and tarpon fishing will last well into the summer months. For a fly fisherman the first few seconds of a tarpon hookup is the most exhilarating. The hook set on one of these prehistoric silver monsters has to be strong and often you will strike two to three times to get the hook in the tarpon’s cinder block mouth. Once he’s hooked you will know it and most likely he’ll take you on the ride of your life. Don’t be disappointed if after a few jumps he gets off, that’s tarpon fishing and it should be enjoyed for what it is… a great display of gamefishing.

Other fly fishing target species here in the Florida Keys include the bonefish and the elusive permit. Permit are considered the ultimate gamefish taken on fly tackle. Some purists will even venture to say it has been the pinnacle of their saltwater fly fishing. Permit are nervous all the time. In my opinion they are a deep water fish who just do time on the flats to get food. A bandit of bait. They feed on blue crabs about the size of a silver dollar and shrimp. Therefore fly fisherman tie up many forms of crab patterns including the classic Merkin crab fly. This pattern in its many shapes and forms works best for fly fishing for permit here in the Keys.

Some of the largest bonefish in the world live here in the Florida Keys. Large bonefish cruise the flats from Biscayne Bay down to the Marquesas Keys west of Key West. The most concintration of large bonefish is in Islamorada. Many think this is because Islamorada hosts so many release bonefish tournaments and these fish are relocated after they are released at the tournament weigh station to grow up in “downtown Islamorada” as many of the guides call it. Bonefish in the Keys range from 4lbs. to over 10lbs. and are not easy to catch on fly but it can be done.

Advice to the Florida Keys visiting flyrodder, practice your casting as often as you can. Many visitors come to the Keys to try fly fishing for the very first time. It is a great way to either fall in love with the sport or become completely frustrated. There are casting clinics held at various fly shops in the Keys and Sandy Moret holds a fly fishing school a few times a year.

Loren Rea is an avid fly rodder and lives and works in the Florida Keys. She writes a report weekly at http://www.flyfishingthekeys.com

The modern period has been dominated by the development of new materials, and there is no doubt that without plastics, fly fishing as we know it would be unrecognizable as a sport, although the basic principles would be the same.

Glass-fiber rods first appeared in the late 1940’s, but it took a while for the new material to be adopted. Suppliers showed varying degrees of enthusiasm for the material. Hardy’s first glass fiber rod was built in 1954, and after a period in which glass and cane uneasily coexisted, their first carbon fiber rod followed in 1976. Rod weights plunged, reaching the point where line weight became a consideration in rod handling. A modern fifteen foot carbon fiber rod typically weighs around the pound mark, and a nine-foot rod three and a half ounces.

If anyone wonders why fiberglass did not replace split cane overnight, the answer lies in the table. Glass rods weighed much the same as their split cane equivalents, and offered the fisherman few advantages other than price. Carbon fiber, on the other hand, approaches half the weight of either split cane or glass. Once the technical problems of using the new material had been solved, carbon fiber rods entered mass production and neither of the older materials could offer any contest. Cane was swept away by the mid nineteen eighties, although it is making something of a comeback on aesthetic grounds.

The Fly Line. As with rod development, the post-war period was dominated by the development of new materials. The taper on these lines could be controlled to a precise amount, and the invention of methods of altering the specific gravity of the PVC coating (and hence its buoyancy) gave the product greater flexibility than anyone had ever dreamed of in a fly line.

The Reel. We are very nearly up to date on the subject of gear, but is one small piece of the jigsaw puzzle missing. At the beginning of the modern period, it was unusual to find fly reels with exposed rims. The last twenty years have seen a surge of nostalgia, and it is fascinating to see the designs appearing that imitate reels of a century ago.

The Salmon Fly. In a sign of growing American dominance in the field, hair-winged patterns didn’t take long to make the transfer across the Atlantic. The hair-wing had become a significant influence on British patterns by the 1960s, with many traditional patterns being adapted to allow hair-wing ties. The origins of the tube fly are less certain. We know that North American native people tied lures for salmon on quills as long ago as the nineteenth century, but the idea seems to have entered mainstream salmon fly fishing during the 1940s.

There is an interesting post-script to the development of the hair-wing salmon fly. Fishermen took a long while to give up their affection for the fully-dressed ‘gaudy’ fly, and it was commonly stocked by quite ordinary tackle shops well into the late 70’s and even early 80’s. As it became harder to find fully-dressed flies, collectors moved in, and a substantial market in “specimen-tying” began to emerge.

Shannon Brown is a native of Colorado and an avid fly fisherman. He has created a new website just for fly fisherman. Stop by and visit him at: All About Fly Fishing

Night fishing for speckled trout has become my favorite saltwater fishing tactics. Start off the morning waiting at home or at work for sunset, load up the truck with my heavy-duty night light, rod and reel, lure box and head off to my secret fishing spot were it’s only me and 100’s of speckled trout to be caught. Speckled trout night fishing is easy for youngsters to start getting in love with saltwater fishing at night. I would suggest that the first outing would be some were private. I have seen many things happen at night on a fishing pier, mostly kids getting hooked in the face or knocked down by a fisherman not looking where he was going.

Speckled trout at night can act so different at times when night fishing. They can be 2 feet below the water having a feeding frenzy or they can be on top of the water as if it were an underwater firework display. I have 3 lures that I absolute love to use when fishing for speckled trout at night.

1. Glass minnows
2. Speck Rigs
3. Crystal Minnow plug

Usually I use the glass minnows tandem rigged (two of the same lures used at once) when the trout are real active at night. When I take my own light it is ran on a tripod stand. This makes a perfect fishing experience for night fishing for speckled trout.

Ty Wagner is owner of Texas Fishing Home and loves Speckled Trout Fishing

Fly-fishing is an ancient angling method especially effective in catching trout and salmon. This distinct method of angling uses artificial flies to lure or excite fish. Fly-fishing helps anglers catch the fish easier than the traditional way.

There are two basic forms of fly-fishing, dry flies and wet flies.

Dry flies need coating with floatant in order for it to sit in the surface of the water. Dry flies are mostly effective in upstream and moving water. Dry flies help anglers’ spot where fish resides like pools and pocket in streams. Thus, it is easier to detect them and catch the fish.

The use of wet flies is beneath the surface of the water. Wet flies are nymphs, lures and true wet flies. It works as effective as dry flies except that in cases where weeds are many and almost touching the surface, wet flies blends with the weeds and thus may not be as effective as the dry flies.

Fly-fishing was developed in the 19th century, dry fly technique is very effective especially for slower and clearer rivers.

This is because weeds in rich rivers tend to grow closer to the surface, thus traditional wet fly fishing is almost ineffective. Dry fly fishing is thus useful by keeping the fly and the line floating on the surface. This makes fish excited and aggressive; the angler can then spot the location of the fish and in turn catches fish easier.

Later developments of fly-fishing made this concept as basis, thus in the latter part of the 19th century, anglers develop love for fly-fishing. This gave birth to fly-fishing, the sport among its aficionados.

Various parts of the United States host fly-fishing sports such as in the waters of Catskill Mountains of New York and the provinces of Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, British Columbia, Alberta and California.

Anglers in North America also develop various literatures pertaining to fly-fishing. The sport of fly-fishing and all these literatures gave North America the reputation of being the birthplace of dry fly-fishing, specifically the City of Calgary, Alberta. It is arguably one of the world’s best trout rivers, thus it remains to be the epicenter for the Western Fly Fishing in North America.

Various other states in America keeps the growing number of fly-fishers such as Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Arkansas. The growing number of anglers that are drawn to the sport of fly-fishing keeps the popularity at its peak.

Dry or wet fly-fishing, whichever is more effective in the rivers where you fish will help keep the sport exciting. It may not be long that other countries will learn to love the sport and make it a globally loved sport.

How does fly-fishing work?

Fly fishing uses longer and lighter rods; sizes vary from 2m (6 ft) for fresh water and up to 4m (14 ft) for salt water fly-fishing. Weight for fresh water rods are between two to five ounces.

Popular types of casts in fly-fishing follow its variety in situation specifics. Anglers uses common cast when the angler whisks the fly rod forward and back using his forearm and upper arm, the wrist is used to soften the motion.

The rod movement varies from 10 o’clock position to 2 o’clock position without touching the ground. Anglers do this to load the rod tip with energy and to travel the fly line creating distance and control; they call this motion false casting.

False casting needs to be done to excite the fish or make it aggressive enough so that when the fly touches the surface, it will be sure that the area where the fly touches is where most of the fish are located and thus will be easier to spot and catch them.

Whether you are a fly-fishing aficionado for outdoor excitement or having fun with your family, using the proper equipment will help you develop love for the sport. Keep it exciting and enjoy fishing at its finest in most popular fly-fishing locations in the country. There are many locations, thus you will not have a problem in spotting nice locations for you and your family for this wonderful outdoor adventure.

Shannon Brown is a native of Colorado and an avid fly fisherman. He has created a new website just for fly fisherman. Stop by and visit him at: All About Fly Fishing

We all know how effective tubes fished on internal weighted heads can be. The fact is that if you only use them this way, you are seriously hampering the true potential of this bait and its versatility. I’ve discovered, many years ago that fishing a tube in weed choked waters was a great way to catch fish. The problem I encountered was the open hook continuously and unmercifully getting snagged all day long. To combat this, I simply tried to rig the tube on a Texas rig. Ultimately I settled on a brass and glass type rig that has always scored well for me. This rig mixes sexy tubes, scent and sound to form a complete package of bass grabbing attention.

Equipment: 6-6 medium fast action spinning rod. The best rods for this method are high modulus models with a solid backbone. I use a Kistler Helium LTA 6-6 He66MS. This rod provides me with light overall weight and a soft tip but also the brute gorilla strength to yank larger bass towards the boat. Not finesse fishing you say? Well consider that I normally use 8lb line and occasionally drop that down to lighter 6lb Yo Zuri Hybrid. Even in the thickest cover, I’ve gotten by with the lighter lines. You could utilize a 20lb super line like Sea King’s 20/6 or 14/4. These will help slice through vegetation with ease. I prefer a fairly fast ratio reel. For tubing, I go with Shimano, no surprise, Sustain 2500 FD. This reel is as dependable as they come.

Terminal Tackle: My tube rig works best with brass Weenie Weights. I like 1/16 or 1/8 Top Brass Tackle Weenie Weights painted black. The weenie weight is simply a shorter, wider sliding bullet weight that is made of brass. This produces much better sound amplification and is environme