Exploring Fishing Guide South Carolina Destinations

By Laura Gallagher


The southern areas of the United States have always been famous for the fishing and hunting opportunities it offers. However, when you make plans for your next fishing trip, you might consider taking a close look at some fishing guide South Carolina destinations. This state offers beautiful settings and fantastic opportunities for catching a variety of fish.

Many areas in the state offer several species of fish. Northern areas are closer to the mountains and the abundance of freshwater opportunities are great. You might consider checking out the unique and adventurous boat charter tours available on northern SC lakes like Jocassee. The waters of Lake Jocassee are crystal clear and filled with brown and speckled trout.

Jocassee is located in Oconee County near the beautiful Lake Keowee, another good place to fish. Many people find the cabins in this area to be romantic and perfect for the week long trip. Accommodations like these make the week long trip much more enjoyable. By staying at least a week, you can experience many different fish hot spots.

Further down state you might enjoy the camping and boating activities at Santee Cooper. Several hot spots for catfish can be found in the lakes surrounding this area. Many people fish here for bream, striper, and crappie also. Santee Cooper is a popular destination for enjoying lake and river experiences.

Thanks to the convenience the internet provides, you may start planning ahead for your trip in many ways. By doing so, your experiences will be less stressful. Taking care of details like accommodations and charter trips ahead of time is the best way. You can also learn about the special clothing or other items you may need on your trips as well.

Nothing beats the fun you have out the lake on a late spring evening. The sound of the frogs and insects can be quite soothing and enjoyable. Making your fishing guide south carolina destinations plans ahead of time is the best way to enjoy the natural settings of these lakes and rivers.




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Florida Lake George Fishing Report

By Mark Fleagle

Florida's Lake George large mouth fishing is rated and reported as another top largemouth lake that is nationally known. This article will concentrate on lake George. We will list 12 Area's on or around the lake that have been known to hold largemouth. You can also visit the Florida Fish and wildlife conservation commission webpage and click on Interactive maps to get more detailed information.
Lake George is one of the premier largemouth bass fishing lakes in central Florida. It is the second largest lake in the state (46,000 acres), and is located 18 miles northwest of Deland and 29 miles east of Ocala.

The following Lake George fishing reported areas have been identified by the Florida Fish and wildlife as holding good populations of largemouth bass

Area #1 Black Point with one of the deeper drop-offs in this area, offers good fishing for a variety of species throughout the year. Fish a Carolina- or Texas-rigged plastic worm down the open-water drop from 3 to 15 feet for largemouth year-round. Crankbaits will entice striped bass in the cooler months. Small wild shiners or medium domestic shiners will entice big bass strikes, and they'll catch stripers and large catfish, too. Starting with the first full moon in April, use live worms or crickets to catch bluegill throughout summer.

Area #2 Back of Muddy Cove offers springtime largemouth bass fishing. It's a good bedding area 
and excellent for sight fishing. Fish spinnerbaits and buzzbaits early and late in the day. Best fishing is often after heavy rains or when the tide has peaked and starts to fall. This holds true for most shallow water. Deeper water on the flat invites more fish.

Area #3 Between Hog Island and Saunders Bass often frequent the cut between Hog Island and Saunders Cove. Fish weedless floating worm rigs, soft plastic jerk baits or weedless spoons. The southwest corner of the island is known for its good fishing in the spring and fall.

Area #4 East side of Hog Island On the east side of Hog Island, with its harder bottom and eelgrass, 
is a feeding flat that yields bass year- around, especially in spawning season. Use weedless lures and work them through the grass or topwaters over the grass. Big bass will come out of the thick greenery for a wild shiner deployed along the edge of the eelgrass line or in the small coves surrounded by bulrushes.

Area #5 Georgetown Fish the many docks and pilings along the Georgetown shoreline for largemouth summer and fall. Drift a floating crankbait into the wooden structure; when it drifts close to the pier, begin your retrieve. Cast and retrieve your lures past the structure from different directions until you can establish a strike pattern. Work the broken-down piers. Piers are often interspersed with fields of little lily pads, called dollar bonnets. Fish them with soft plastic jerk baits, swimming worms, and weedless, ribbon-tailed jigs. Shiners are powerful fish-getters; the challenge is to keep the bait near the structure. Here's a local secret: purposefully snag your line on a small stick or surface vegetation to keep the shiner in the best spot to catch a trophy. Otherwise, the shiner will swim away from danger and you'll have to keep casting it closer to the structure.

Area #6 Lake George Point offers single and schooling bass to those throwing vibration lures and stickbaits near the weedline. Stripers also move through this area in cooler months and often will unexpectedly strike a crankbait intended for a bass. If you locate stripers, cast Carolina-rigged plastic worms and let the soft plastic undulate naturally in the bottom current. If you notice the line move, pay attention. When it tightens, strike hard. A fish is moving off with your worm. Switch to topwater chuggers if the stripers start crashing the surface. Stripers love shiners, too.

Area #7 Drayton Island The Drayton Island docks and pilings, and the boat trails that lead to them, hold bass in early spring. Weedless spoons and plastic worms with light, 1/8-ounce slip sinkers are best.

Area #8 This area adjacent to a marsh offers relatively deep water just off the grass. Bass move into the grass to spawn and out to the grassline in late spring, where a weedless plastic worm will trigger strikes. Use small, dark-colored plastic worms and, so as not to ruin its built-in action, use the smallest sinker that takes the plastic to the desired depth. Beetle Spins also produce. This is a good bedding area for bluegills April through June. Live bait anglers favor earthworms, grass shrimp, or crickets fished close to the bottom under a float.

Area #9 A sharp drop-off to 10 feet, just 30 feet from the shoreline, makes the weedline in this area especially productive for largemouth bass from late spring through late fall. A Carolina-rig will locate fish. Alternately, cast vibrating plugs or small crankbaits for best results. Fish are often suspended here.

Area #10 Work plastic worms or jigs with grubs down the sloping drop-off for bass. Try different colors until you find the one that gets the strikes. Solid blue or blue-tailed worms are effective. Grape-colored worms with green glitter work well, as do Tequila Sunrise, Red Shad, Green Pumpkin and June Bug.

Area #11 A hard, sand bottom and relatively deep water near shore make this a great spring and summer bass spot. The Carolina plastic worm rig is a lake tradition.. Fish lures that allow you to adjust your depth - spinnerbaits and Rat-L-Traps. This area and others like it, hold schooling bass at different times of the year.

Area #12 Kinsley Point on the south end of Drayton Island has good bass fishing year-round. Fish the visible and submerged pilings off the point for largemouth and stripers. Anglers using artificials favor crankbaits; live bait anglers score big on shiners. Plastic worms in dark colors work well in the wooden structure and along the grassline that wraps the point. The direction of the flow of water will tell you which way to cast. Start by bringing the lure back with the current but also try casting cross-current. One boat fishing technique is to drift with the current, stern first, using the electric motor to slow the drift. Cast to the sides of the boat, toward the direction of current, retrieving the lure with the current.

Mark Fleagle Webmaster A well respected fishing enthusiast with 30+ years of fishing experience,who has written many fishing articles. Mark has been a online presence for fishing information for going on 4 years. Visit my blog and download your free copies of Florida's fishing guides for the following regions: Everglades Fishing, Central Florida Fishing, Northeast Florida Fishing, Northwest Florida Fishing,Southern Florida Fishing Florida's Lake George Fishing Report [http://www.oldfishinghole.com/blog/index.php/florida-fishing-reports] Get your free copy of "78 Fishing Discoveries Unleashed".

Bass Fishing Fantasies

By Martin F Rogers

There are hundreds of thousands of urban fishermen that don't have the time or where-with-all to escape the everyday pressures, at least once a year, in order to go fishing at a remote location. These seemingly unfortunate individuals have to contend with late night fishing fantasies which gives enough relief to get them through the next day or work week. Why fishermen, and now ever increasing fisherwomen, are lured to the stalking and catching of different fish species around the globe is still a mystery. Some do it for the companionship of others and some do it for the natural high that a successful fishing trip ignites.

I have been predominantly fishing in urban waters for over 33 years. The first quarter of my fishing "career" was filled with polluted water and massive amounts of disappointment. The only real success was when I accidentally caught a carp or two. I am happy to say that those days are behind me and they can be behind you as well! There are thousands of urban bodies of water in this Country which have been around for thirty or more years. These municipal ponds and lakes have been stocked at one time or another and has had very limited experienced fishing pressure over the decades. These under utilized fishing holes can give the average fisherman hours of enjoyment, while satisfying the powerful need and desire that is created by the thought of setting the hook on a hog or two.

There are some important points and basics that must be kept in mind when fishing in some of the urban park district and municipal waterways. The first is that a very high percentage of them are no more than four feet deep and that sinking lures and weight infested baits are a complete waste of time. In fact, most of the presentations should be sinker free unless the weather dictates differently. For example, if it is windy and you are using soft plastics, then a small sinker 10 - 12 inches from the lure might be appropriate. Speaking of soft plastics, it has become common knowledge to me and my urban fishing buddies that since the average depth of our fishing holes is less than five feet, there is no need for fast sinking lures such as jigs, diving crankbaits or even Carolina rigs. It is imperative that the urban fishermen remember that the typical structure in park district ponds and lakes are old boots, shopping carts and many other un-naturals. When using a deep diving or other sinking lure, the fisherman will spend many hours and dollars simply getting snagged and eventually losing these expensive lures.

These unusual structures that are found in urban bodies of water however are perfect for catching big bass and catfish. This all can get very confusing, but if you learn to use finesse baits such as a Rabbit Hair Wacky Bass Wacky Worm or a K&E Basstopper, you will see your number of catches and size of your average catch soar. Finesse fishing by most is characterized as the scaling way down on line and lures in regards to size and weight. I used to agree hook line and sinker, but the bottom line is, finesse fishing is defined as the use of slow moving, slow sinking baits that can be presented to fish, in a host of different environments. This method of fishing takes place in one to 7 feet of water which is perfect for the urban fisherman. Once you have mastered basic finesse fishing techniques in your local pond or lake, your next planned, long distance trip will be much more productive and rewarding.

There are several reasons why it is important to learn how to fish weightless soft plastic lures and I will attempt to share them with you here. First of all, many urban bass and other fish enjoy hugging the banks that have tall grass. Many park districts have a one foot rule which states that the park district maintenance staff can not cut the grass closer that one foot from the water. This might have to do with safety concerns for the person cutting the grass. In any event, big bass love to hang out in these areas and many days they will simply sit motionless, waiting for a bug to accidentally fall into the water.

Small sunfish do the same which offers the largemouth another feeding opportunity. The best approach to these areas is to quietly walk down the bank and stop about 20 feet from the tall grass. Don't cast right next to the grass since the bass and other fish are facing towards deep water in order to make an ambush on whatever looks appealing. If there is a lot of food competition in the lake or pond, many times the larger fish will eat first and ask questions later since their first priority is to get to the meal first. After you make a cast about three feet from the shore line, in front of the grass, remember to stay motionless for a few seconds. Many times the bass will hit as the finesse bait sinks slowly to the bottom.

When you fish this way completely around the lake or pond, then you can begin the second round and this time cast six to ten feet out from the shoreline. Eventually you will find what depth the big bass are hanging out in and then you can change your presentation if need be. Don't be afraid to use large baits for bucketmouths. The urban fish will be happy to see the different offerings especially in competitive waters. In order to use large lures in these urban bodies of relatively shallow water, make sure that the lure is of the floating variety and when it is reeled in only goes beneath the surface for a foot maximum. I have caught large bass on musky lures this way in some very unlikely spots in the Chicago Land area. People think that I am crazy fishing these ponds and lakes this way, but I seem to do much better than the average fisherman. Don't just fantasize about catching big bass when you are stranded in an urban setting. Get out there and stick a few hogs and you will soon realize them.

Martin Rogers is the founder and webmaster of DuPageAngler.com which is a premium social website which focuses on freshwater fishing in the midwest. DuPage Angler is also dedicated to bringing useful tools and information about likely and unlikely fishing hotspots in the Chicagoland area. http://www.DuPageAngler.com

Bass Fishing Tactics For The Everglades


Being ignorant about something is not the trouble. The trouble is the unwillingness to learn something. So, get rid of your inertia and read this article about everglades bass fishing.

If you have a few minutes to spare and you are searching for information on everglades bass fishing, do read this article. We assure you that your time would not be wasted in anyway.

Like others we could also have taken the short cut to writing this article but we desisted from it because the primary objective of writing this article about everglades bass fishing was your satisfaction. And after reading this article, you can yourself feel it.

Along the bionetwork of Florida, throughout the state, including over at the Everglades anglers join to catch some of Florida's largest bass. Florida has the highest recorded bass record in all states. Anglers join in the sunny region to participate in saltwater and freshwater adventures throughout the Everglades.

Learning is a continuous process and you can never claim that you everything worth knowing about any topic and we think that you must have realized this when you have started reading this article.

Anglers often use live bait, crankbait, spinnerbait, poppers, crayfish, frogs, etc, to catch bass. Most anglers will use charters and guides to learn bass fishing techniques, which inform them how to catch redfish, bass, snook, tarpon, etc.

Along the shores of Marco, Sanibel Islands, Naples, etc, anglers join with guides to fish throughout the waters. Florida is the land of Ten Thousand Islands, which surround the well-known Florida National Park, near the Everglades.

Throughout this area, anglers enjoy fishing at Lake Okeechobee, which is one of Florida's most famous large bass fishing waters. The lake is at the Everglades, which in its water are a surplus of specks, bluegills, peacock, largemouth bass, and more.

It is true that most of the articles on the net are repetitive and banal but we have tried hard to save this article from those faults. Now when you are reading this article, you can vouchsafe for us.

Waters around Florida's region include camping grounds for your convenience. In addition, fishing camps surround the area, which include Roland Martin's fabulous Marina. Anglers join here to catch trophy fish, sport fish, game fish, fly-fish, etc. Guides provide boat rides.

Artificial lures, live bait, rods, reels, lines, and related fishing equipment is provided as well while touring the anglers throughout the Everglades in Florida.

If you chose to read this article, it means that you are interested in everglades bass fishing and if you are interested in everglades bass fishing, you have come to the right place as must be demonstrated by what all you have read till now.

Florida Everglades and surrounding waters produce forage, oysters, snook, etc, and each species is found at lakes, brackish rivers, backcountries, bays, springs, clear rivers, etc. At the mushy areas, most of the fish are aggressive. You will need heavy rods, correct lures and lines to battle the feisty creatures.

The aggressive bass use battling strategies to evade hooks, which the bass will swiftly escape fishing lines if you are not prepared.

So, do you still think that you know everything that was to be known about everglades bass fishing? Don't you feel that there were so many things that were to be known about everglades bass fishing?

Everglades has a selection of sister waters. The nearby fishing holes include Lake Toho, Butler Chains, and Harris Chains, which connect to Kissimmee Chains. Walk in Lake, St. John River, and various other lakes are in Florida region as well.

Now that you have read so much about everglades bass fishing, in this article, do you feel that you have added something substantial in your knowledge bank. If the answer is yes, our goal is achieved.

Using guides will provide you the tools you need to catch Everglades's largest bass. The guides offer benefits, which these licensed men and women are trained to handle fishing needs. In Florida Everglades, you may encounter copperhead snakes, alligators, or other dangerous species.

Guides know where the dangerous species hang, therefore use guides if you are new to bass fishing.

In the beginning we had claimed that we would be presenting another angle to everglades bass fishing and now when you have begun reading this article, do you not think that we were right in our claim?

Florida bass fishing has made Wildlife Charts more so than any other body of water in the world. In Florida waters, the largest bass are caught each day. Game fishing, tourneys, sports, hobby, fly rod, and other adventures take place annually as well.

Reading articles is surely a very good way of increasing ones knowledge but for that you would have to search through a lot of trash. We think that some of your needs must have been satisfied through reading this article about everglades bass fishing.

Florida Everglades has a selection of Tarpon, Snook, Walleye, Muskies, Smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, peacock bass, black bass, and more. The Muskies are difficult to catch, therefore learn fishing tips to land you a Muskie. Be ware however, Muskies will find harder than common bass to escape hooks.

So, do you still think that you know everything that was to be known about everglades bass fishing? Don't you feel that there were so many things that were to be known about everglades bass fishing?

Many of Florida's bass reach up to 10-pounds. Surrounding bodies of water, including lakes near the Everglades are listed as followed. Walk in Lake, Lake Toho, Lake Okeechobee, Stick Marsh, Lake Kissimmee, Lake Ida, Central Lakes, Lake Osborne, St. John River, etc.

How to catch crappie, bluegill, etc while fly-fishing:
If you want to catch bluegill or crappie visit Lake Okeechobee. The Everglades will take you where the world's, largest bass swim. If you enjoy fly-fishing, you may also want to scan the areas around Kissimmee Chain, where Florida's largest bass hide beneath rocky reef, weed beds, weed lines, timber, boulders, etc. Lake Toho is near Walk in Lake, which bass also swim these waters. Over at the Stick Marsh near Florida Everglades you will enjoy the latest productions of bass fishing. In fact, bass are swimming high and low in these waters, often in schools.

It is not that this article would land you up with a doctorate in everglades bass fishing. We just want to provide you with some common information about everglades bass fishing.
John's website help beginners and advanced bass fishermen to catch a boat load of fish. Please visit the site for more info...Everglades Bass Fishing

Shark Fishing: A New Found Addiction

By Buddy BassShark Fishing:  A New Found Addiction
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Buddy_Bass]Buddy Bass

Shark Fishing From the Beach


It is a well known fact that in the summertime many Sharks move from the deeper waters offshore into inland waterways and beaches. Why do they do this? Well the Sharks seek warmer shallow waters to carry out mating rituals and to either lay eggs or give live birth. So why is this important? It is very important if you are interested in swimming or in landing huge fish from the bank. There is no other type of fishing (that I know of) where the angler has an exceptional chance of hooking on to a 500lb plus fish while fishing from the bank.

Living near the Gulf of Mexico during my youth my family would take at least one vacation each summer to the beach. Week long vacations at the beach can sometimes get a little boring for a kid who grew up in the Hardwood Bottoms of middle Georgia. Fishing was the answer to my problems. I started off doing some light surf fishing but soon realized that there were truly bigger fish in the sea.

On one trip in peticular I was introduced to shark fishing as I know it today. A friend and I had made our way down to the Pensacola Beach Peir for an afternoon of catching Blues, Spanish, Kings and hopefully a Cobia. We fished like we always had with live menhaden and had an average day. A few spanish, a pretty hefty king and more blues than we knew what to do with. We began to gather our gear for the walk home when another fisherman was arriving at the pier. As the guy made his way down the pier I noticed that he was holding the biggest fishing rod and reel that I had ever seen. I had to approach the guy.

When I first approached the fella he was nice and friendly. But when I started probing him about his fishing techniques he quickly shut off. I could tell (from years of dealing with older wiser fishermen) that this guy had a secret about fishing and I had to know it.

Well Mike (my fishing buddy) and I had a meeting right there on the pier and decided that we would stay on the pier and watch the guy and try to figure out what he needed such a big reel for. So I made a quick trip back to the condo to inform my parents that we would not be back until late and for them not to wait up for us. After some haggling permission was granted. I loaded up on sandwich meat, bread, crackers, beenie-weenies and sardines for our all night fishing trip.

When I returned to the pier about an hour before sunset I was amazed that the guy had yet to put his hook in the water. He had been at the pier almost two hours and had not wet a line. When I approached the guy and inquired about why he was not yet fishing, he replied "..I only have one bait..". Now I have been fishing all my life and I know that when you go fishing you need more than one bait. The guy had to notice the puzzled and confused look on my silenced face so he went into a little detail. He explained, as he opened a cooler, that in shark fishing it is good to have more than one bait but that he was so skilled that he only needed one. Upon opening the cooler the fella removed a Spanish Mackrel that easily weighed 4lbs. I said "...that's a nice spanish, are you going to grill it or fry it?" He replied "It's my bait". "The whole thing?", "Yep".

Things were definitely starting to come together now. I've heard of using big bait to catch big fish but this was a little extreme. Then I saw a way for us to 'bribe' this guy into teaching us how to fish for sharks. I offered him the Spanish Mackrel that we had caught earlier in the day. He instantly replied "What do I have to do for them?" "Teach us how to do what you're doing"

We were in!! The guy lightened up and said at least he would have some company on the desolate peir. With extra bait the guy instantly began rigging up the behemouth pole. He withdrew a steel cable leader with a massive hook on one end and a swivel on the other. He began explaining in detail the ins and outs of shark fishing. "..the leader has to be at least 15 feet long or longer, I like mine at least 20', and you can't get this stuff at a bait store, you have to go to the hardware store..." I questioned him about the hook and swivel, he replied that they were purchased from a local tackle shop at $2-4ea. I was quickly realizing that shark fishing could get expensive quick. He glanced toward our 4/0 Penn Fishing Reels and scoffed "You guys are going to need some bigger tackle." In disbelief I asked "Do you really need a reel as big as yours?" he replied "If you want to catch big fish you have to have big tackle". His reel was a 14/0 Penn Senator and looked as if it would hold 5 miles of the braided 80lb test line that it was spooled with.

I suddenly was stumped. How was this guy going to cast a 20' steel leader with a 4lb spanish mackrel hooked to the end of it? My question would be answered by means of kayak. The guy removed a kayak from his truck and began to paddle toward the end of the pier. Upon arriving at the end directly beneath us he instructed for us to "carefully" lower the spanish mackrel with a gaff-sized hook in it into his lap. We did as we were told and the guy was off paddling in a flash.

Ok, here is the situation: This crazy guy is paddling in a kayak toward the middle of the ocean, in shark infested waters with a 4lb spanish mackrel laying in his lap. At this point I began to question the guys sanity.

Paddling the bait out took no more than 5mins and very quickly the guy took his seat next to his reel. After fooling with the reel for a while, checking drag, engaging a clicker and securing the reel to the pier with a rope he sat back and opened a cold beer and said "Now we wait." "How long?" I replied. "As long as it takes." he firmly stated.

After several long boring hours of catching catfish and an occasional foot long shark I was beginning to grow tired of waiting. Could Shark Fishing really be worth all this effort and time? Not even a single bite on the big pole. Then I heard the sweetest most spine tingling sound that a fisherman could possibly hear. Drag! And lots of it, More than I had ever heard before. The massive reel was producing the loudest most chilling sound that I could ever imagine. Line was being stripped off at a phenominal rate and the guy was just sitting there watching it. What was he doing? Obviously the Shark had the bait why wasn't he setting the hook?

He slowly began strapping himself into what appeared to be a fish fighting harness. Calmly picked up the reel and strapped it in the butt holder and clipped straps from his shoulders to the reel. I realized that this guy was strapping himself directly to the reel! If something went wrong he would not be able to just let go of the reel, he was truly one with the reel.

With line stripping off as if it were tied to the bumper of a Porshe the guy engaged the reel and the demeanor on his face changed instantly. With the ferocity of a college line backer he began repeatidly setting the hook while almost running backward. When he reached the end of his walkway he would reel down on the fish and almost jog back to the edge of the pier. This process was repeated two or three times. Then the fight began!

For the first hour it appeard that he was going to almost be able to reel the fish directly in. Kinda like cranking in a boat with a wench. Boy was I wrong. Seemingly the Shark was just swimming toward the pier and did not know that he was even hooked. When it appeared that the shark was getting close he turned and headed out to sea. He ran and stripped drag for what seemed like an eternity. Line leaving the 14/0 reel a hundred yards at a time. With adrenaline pumping the excitement began to slightly subside. The guy was in a calm and focused mood with one thing on his mind. After a couple of hours fighting the guy (while still fighting the fish) asked me to reach into his cooler and get him a water. What? This guy wants to drink water while he is fighting this monster fish? He explained that in the course of fighting a big fish it was very important to remain hydrated. I asked how long the fight usually took. And he replied that the fight time varies greatly from one fish to another, some lasting only an hour and some lasting 12-14 hours.

The battle was one of constant give and take he would reel in 100 yards and the shark would take 200. An hour rolled into two, two to three, until all track of time was lost. Soon we were awakened to what time it was as the sun began to creep up from the dark abyss in the east. This guy had been fighting this fish from a little after sunset until sunrise with no vast improvement in line on the reel. My realization of the addictiveness of shark fishing came when the guy stated "... I hope this fish comes on in I have to be at work by 10:00am..." This guy had stayed up all night fighting this huge fish (which we hadn't even seen yet) and he had to be at work in 5 hours. That is true Dedication and love for a sport.

It was about 8:30am when we got our first glimpse of the shark. The guy said it looked like a Bull Shark and was probably around 12 feet long. It looked more like 20' to me. As the shark began to tire the question came to me "What are you going to do now?" I asked and he replied "What do you mean what am I going to do now, I'm gonna land this fish take some pictures and go to work..." Sounded like a good idea to me but we were 20' off the water on the pier there was no possible way to hoist the thousand pound fish up onto the pier. Then everything began to come clear. The guy was making his way down the pier toward the beach. When he reached the end of the pier he made his way down to the beach. Us not far behind. The guy worked the shark past the first sandbar and up into the shallow waist deep water at the breakers. When the Shark appeared to have run out of energy the guy disengaged his reel and handed it to me. "If he starts running just hold on to the reel." The guy removed a length of rope from his belt and began to wade out to the shark. With a loop in one end of the rope he grapped the sharks tail and secured the loop around it. With a grunt he began to drag the massive fish up onto the beach. With half the fish in the water and half out he removed a waterproof disposable camera from his pocket and handed it to me. "Take the whole roll with me and the shark." I started snapping pictures and soon the roll was gone. I turned around and to my amazement we had drawn a huge crowd of people. Onlookers, tourist, kids, old people, even a few beach dogs and a mangy looking cat had been drawn to the fiasco.

With the film in the camera gone the guy measured the shark, untied the tail rope and walked the shark out to deeper water. He stayed with the shark long enough for it to regain its strength and let it go. The defeated creature slowly slumbered out past the first sandbar and onto the second. I was truly in disbelief. This guy had fought this fish all night with his own blood sweat and probably some tears only to let it go.

When I questioned him about this he simply replied, "Where else can you spend $20, catch a thousand pound fish and have a blast all night doing it. I do it for the fun of it. I catch fish people only dream about and I let them go so I can catch them again." It was then that my outlook on fishing was changed forever. It is not about what you take home for the table, it's what you take home for yourself. Don't get me wrong I love fish and I harvest many fish each year to eat, but I let the big ones go. They have made it this far, why should I be the one to end it for them.

Then I realized something: It was all worth it, the reel, the rod, the bait, the hooks, line, money and time. It was all woth it.

Five months later after saving every paycheck from my summer job I ordered my first shark fishing reel a 16/0 Penn Senator for $300 from Bass Pro Shops. I also ordered line, 3000 yard of Braided 80lb test $250 and a rod to put it all on $120. Ever since that night on the Pensacola Pier I have a new addiction in my life Shark Fishing. I have been to beaches all over the South Eastern United States combing the beaches and peirs for just the right sandbar, just the right current and tide. I usually rent a kayak from the local Beach Supply Store and we usually camp or rent a hotel. The bait is hard to find and expensive. I have found the best places to find fresh fish is at a fish market and usually Asian fish markets have a much wider selection to choose from. My most successful baits are as follows: King Mackrel, Spanish Mackrel, Jack Crevelle, Bonito and lastly Mullet.
 
I have since caught many sharks and several over 10 feet long. All of them off of a Beach or a Pier. I have also introduced several friends to my addiction, they too have seen the light and purchased equipment. Shark fishing is something the whole family can truly enjoy. It's not just about catching the fish. It's about good friends, family and beautiful beaches.
[Everything Outdoors is Online at myOutdoors.tv]
Buddy Bass has been an avid participant in Outdoor Activities since birth. He presents the good the bad and the ugly that all fishermen and hunters know. If every trip were perfect It wouldn't be any fun.
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Fishing History From the Early Years to the Present Day


The history of angling dates back to the very beginnings of civilisation.

Many of the earliest references to angling are documented in a book called 'Fishing From Earliest Times', by William Radcliffe (published in 1926). Although this largely academic work about the origins of angling is generally only available in specialist reference libraries, it is nevertheless an invaluable account of the history of angling, throughout the ages. It focuses primarily on the archaeological evidence of angling in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome and further afield.

Interestingly, the author concludes from the welter of archaeological data available that the early Egyptians were probably the first anglers on record to use a rudimentary form of the modern fishing rod. He also found that fishing with a line and hook was widespread during the Graeco-Roman period. References to fishing can be found in the poetry of Homer, the Greek writer, during the 9th century BC; the Roman, Claudius Aelianus (c. A.D. 175 - 235), makes a fascinating allusion to an early form of fly fishing. The use of hooks is also mentioned in the Bible.

Evolution of Angling

Opinion differs as to exactly when angling made the transition from necessity as a food-gathering activity to a pastime and sport in its own right. The general consensus of opinion amongst authorities on the subject of the evolution of British angling suggests that the process was gradual, and took place over the centuries. It has also been suggested that one of the main factors responsible for transforming fishing into a sport was the development of the rod.

Of course, the frisson associated with landing the perfect catch, whether for food or fun, has been part of the angling experience since time immemorial.

Much of the credit, however, for popularising angling as an exhilarating sport and pastime can be attributed to Izaak Walton's book 'The Compleat Angler' (first edition 1653). This definitive work on the history of angling is recognised not only for its literary merit, but also for its comprehensive and enthusiastic coverage on the subject of angling. The book is cram-packed with technical detail and sophisticated tips on improving the passionate angler's fishing techniques; it also advocates the notion of 'fair play' and giving fish a sporting chance using baited hooks, rods and lines. It is no coincidence that in the years following the publication of 'The Compleat Angler', sales of fishing tackle increased considerably as more and more people became 'hooked' on the sport!

Popularity of Angling

The first British angling club was set up in 1792, in Dagenham, Essex. Thereafter, angling associations sprang up across Britain and began to play an important role in British society, particularly during the nineteenth century and the height of the Industrial Revolution. But, it has to be said that not all of the fishing activity, during these hard times was above board; poaching was commonplace and pollution of fishing waters a major problem.

In the main, however, angling was seen as one of the few sports that could be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, by the rich and the poor, alike. This was clearly a pastime that transcended class or social status and by the beginning of the twentieth century, angling as a sport and pastime was widespread; its appeal universally established.

During the twentieth century, Britain's angling organisations further promoted the sport and raised its profile by calling for legislation to control water pollution and to protect fish stocks in designated angling locations.

Today, in the twenty-first century, angling is one of the most popular participation sports with an estimated 3 million plus anglers in Britain alone, taking part in this hugely rewarding sport, on a regular basis. Angling and its associated industries is big business and despite concerns about pollution and dwindling fish stocks, in certain areas, the global passion for angling shows no signs of abating.

Technological advances and the use of more lightweight materials in tackle production continue apace, with state-of-the art tackle technology giving ardent anglers a distinct edge over the competition. For example, fly fishing lines now exist that are supposed to be undetectable by fish, while new technology nylon monofilament lines are producing better results due to their longer casting capabilities and better bite detection.

Angling: Fascinating Historic Facts

Did you know that ...

-     A painting dating back to 1195 by the Chinese artist, Ma Yuan, depicts an angler using a fishing reel. This piece of art is considered to be one of earliest examples of the use of a fishing reel.

-     Some of the earliest references to the use of the rod date back to around 2000 BC. But it is believed that the Romans first introduced a longer style of rod which was divided into sections.

-     The earliest fish hooks were made out of horn, bone, wood or stone and sharpened at both ends. The oldest existing remains of these primitive types of hooks were excavated in the former Czechoslovakia and are said to be over 20,000 years old.

-     Anglers, during the Middle Ages, used fishing lines made out of horse hair and tied to the end of a long pole.

-     'Barkers Delight' (Thomas Barker, 1651) is generally accepted as the first exhaustive book on fly fishing in the English language; it also contains one of the earliest references to the term 'reel' used for storing a fishing line. A later edition, published in 1659 contains an illustration of a reel, with a winch-like device in the form of a basic spool and crank wind reel.

-     Izaak Walton's 'The Complete Angler', 1653, despite being an important milestone in the history of angling, has come under attack from certain academic quarters for its lack of originality and for re-hashing the content of an earlier work, published, in 1651, called 'Barkers Delight' or the 'Art of Angling'.

-     In the latter part of the eighteenth century, Nottingham became known for its production of a design of fishing reel based on the wooden lace bobbins used for making the famous Nottinghamshire lace.

-     By the early nineteenth century, the town of Redditch, Worcestershire, was a world leading centre for the manufacture and export of fish hooks.

-     Holden Illingworth, a British textile worker from Bradford, invented the fixed-spool reel, in 1905.

Angling ... more than just a sport, more than a pastime ...

There's much more to this enduringly popular sport than meets the eye, as any angling enthusiast will tell you. Over the centuries, anglers and writers have waxed lyrical about the joys of angling and the pleasures associated with this subtly mesmerising sport.

The history of angling is peppered with engaging descriptions, prose and poetry about escaping into a world of peace, tranquillity and beautiful landscapes, of silent communication with nature, of getting to know yourself through the art of angling. This was true, for example, in the writings of Izaak Walton (1593 to 1683), regarded as the 'father of freshwater fishing' when he likened angling to poetry. Walton was referring here to the relaxation, the uplifting environment, passion and inspiration that seize the ardent angler in the pursuit of his sport.

This magical connection is just as true today and possibly even more relevant in the hurried and stressful environment of the twenty-first century. In his book entitled 'John Bailey's Complete Guide to Fishing' (2001), the author, passionate angler and authority on contemporary fishing techniques states: 'The great thing about fishing is that it is such a multi-dimensional activity ... that it is hard to know where to begin - or stop - singing its praises. Above everything else, fishing gets you into some wonderful environments'.

The love affair with angling continues.  

Choosing an Alaska Fishing Trip Destination, Lodge and/or Guide


A Helpful Guide to Planning Your Alaska Fishing Trip

Planning a fishing adventure to Alaska can be a daunting and sometimes overwhelming endeavor. There are thousands of destinations spread throughout the largest state in the nation. Sportfishing in Alaska encompasses many unique fish species from the deep sea to tidewater areas, mountain lakes to inland streams. Access to some fishing locales can be a quick 10 minute drive out of town, or up to a one-way 4 hour seaplane ride.

There is a fishing opportunity for everyone in Alaska, from novice to expert. Alaska offers world-class fishing adventures for all walks of life. One destination may be a perfect match for you, but may not fit the likes of another. Outlined below is a simple guide of 5 topics to help choose the Alaska fishing adventure, lodge, or fishing destination that meets your expectations of a truly 'world class' Alaska fishing experience.

1.) Salt or Freshwater? Alaska offers many very different fishing opportunities in both salt and freshwater environments. To narrow down the areas of Alaska you will be fishing you must first decide your ideal venue. Decide whether you are interested in pursuing halibut in deepwater offshore shoals of the Pacific, or fly fish a pristine mountain-fed tributary for river run salmon. Do you want to troll for large schools of silver salmon in Prince William Sound, or pursue trophy rainbow trout in small fertile inland streams. These are just a few examples of the fishing opportunities in the ocean v.s. Alaska's inland freshwater areas. Some research in this area is helpful, but your initial decision should be based on your preferred fishing style. Note there many areas in Southcentral Alaska where you can combine a freshwater river experience with a few days of offshore fishing within a few hours drive.

2.) Choose your fishing Style. Do you prefer to fish from a boat? Are you a fly fisherman, or do you wish to learn to master the art? Do you want a combination of spin fishing and fly fishing opportunities? Do you prefer to wade and cast, or sleep in the boat and wait for your bobber to go under? Do you like to fish large rivers, small streams, lakes, oceans, estuaries, etc.

How you prefer to fish will help eliminate some destinations that only offer the opposite of what you're looking for.

3.) Do I hire a guide? Well, it's really your choice of course, but I will come right out and say "Yes, most definitely." Even if you are an experienced angler, Alaska is a much different venue than what you may be used to elsewhere. For experts as well as novices, you have the opportunity to catch many fish here in Alaska with just a little guided assistance. Local fishing guides not only help you to find the fish, but they show you the best techniques to lure them to strike, have knowledge of the local history and wildlife, and also are great companions to have on the water. Guides save you time and help tie your Alaska fishing experience together. And, most importantly, you will be more successful.

So, unless you are solely an independent angler, seek areas or operations that offer guided fishing, whether it be an independent guide, or a guide that is included with a resort or lodge package. Guides are not created equal! Be sure to ask detailed questions about the guides and the operations. You will find exceptional guides who are overall good people and go out of their way to make your experience enjoyable, but you will also find some places that have unenthusiastic guides who for whatever reason have not yet realized they have a 'dream job' and spend most of their day sitting in their boat watching you fish. Your guide should have the same enthusiasm to be on the water if you do. Be sure that is a quality you demand when seeking a fishing guide service or lodge in Alaska.

4.) On or off the road? Well, obviously if you're fishing in saltwater, you will leave the road system via boat and fish the millions of acres of blue ocean property Alaska is blessed with. In localized areas and hot fishing holes you may be in good company, but seldom will you be battling with other fishermen or other boats. Your biggest competition is the number of other fishermen that will be sharing the boat with you.

When it comes to inland fishing (rivers, lakes and streams), you have many options to choose from:

A.) Drive and fish the road system: the most popular and affordable option. There are a number of good salmon streams and trout lakes off the road system, the largest density north and south of Anchorage. You can get into decent fishing in these waterways, but only at specific times of the summer depending on salmon runs. During the peak of the salmon runs on the river systems, you will be fighting for a place to fish. Often times you will end up fishing unproductive water unless you get up at dawn with the masses. Fishing off the road system is busy and there's no way around that. You have many RVers, locals and tourists that stop and fish these areas. People camp on the rivers and lakes and take control of the best fishing stretches.

As you drive north, you will see many more rivers, but most are glacial and most do not have salmon or trout. Some of these rivers look as if they would be teeming with fish, but only produce an occasional small grayling or dolly varden. If you want to fish off the road system in Alaska, gain local knowledge and do your research first. Don't follow the crowds or your fishing experience will be a bit frustrating. There are some great out-of-the-way places to fish, but you will want a local guide or connection to lead you in the right direction. The only other way to avoid crowds would be to do a float of a local river, such as the Kenai to access areas of limited fishing pressure. Roadside fishing is the least productive option, but is the most affordable.

B.) Fly out to remote areas: Definitely increases your chance of a great fishing experience, but also a great Alaska experience. Remote rivers and lakes offer less competition and also offers you a choice of what particular fishing experience you are looking for whereas on the road you get what your given. Remote Alaska encompasses almost 90% of the state's land area, whereas the roadside exposes you just to a small fraction of Alaska's vast wilderness. Flying out to a river, lake, remote cabin, lodge, etc. will offer you a better Alaska fishing experience. Again research the options. The further you fly does not necessarily mean the better the fishing. The further you fly does mean the more expensive your trip will be. You do not have to fly 3 hours and spend a ton of money on one or multiple air taxis to get the best fishing in Alaska, so don't believe that's the case. Do your research and find an area that fits your needs from questions 1- 3 above and go from there. Next decide whether your trip will be for a day, 2 days, a week, or whatever. Then, where will you stay, do you need a boat to get up river, are guides available? These questions will be discussed later.

5.) Self-catered trips or booking a fishing package? So, you have the choice to do it all on your own, some of it on your own, or have a fishing lodge, camp or resort cater to your every need. Much of this decision comes down to your budget of course, but also depends on how much planning you feel comfortable doing on your own.

A.) Self-catered trips - If you plan to fish for one week in Alaska either by yourself or in a group and choose do plan everything on your own, be aware of the following:

1. Do I have the proper equipment? What will it cost to outfit myself?
2. Where will I be traveling and where will my base be?
3. Where will I stay and how much will it cost to stay there? Do I camp and save money, do I rent an RV, or do I hop from hotel to hotel while on the road?
4. Do I want to fly out somewhere to fish and how much will that cost? Is it cost-effective or even possible for my group to charter our own plane? Where will we fly to?
5. If I fly out to fish somewhere, where will I stay if I do a multi-day trip? How much will that cost me?
6. When we get to our fishing area, where do we concentrate on fishing? Do we need a boat or someway to access the best fishing areas? Float planes land where they can, not necessarily where the best fishing holes are.

B.)  Alaska Fishing lodges and camps offer a wide variety of services and amenities. The bonus to booking with lodges is you can be assured they are located in an area that has good fishing and they have access to a variety of fishing opportunities. Most lodges have guides and the guides have boats or another means of accessing the best fishing holes. Lodges include accommodations, meals, and many other fine amenities. Lodges limit the risks you will take if you plan a self-catered trip. Some Alaska fishing lodges are all-inclusive and some have hidden charges or non-inclusions. If you plan to visit one of Alaska's many fishing lodges, isolate an area you want to fish based on the criteria in questions 1- 4 above and then search for a lodge in that area based on your budget, your immediate needs, accommodations, guide services, equipment rental availability, etc. Here are some things to consider when researching an Alaskan fishing lodge destination:

1.) Do I want to fish at a lodge on or off the road system?
2.) If off the road system, does the lodge include all seaplane air taxi fees in their package price? (this can add up if they don't).
3.) What am I getting for the price the lodge is charging? How does one lodge's price and services compare to other lodges in Alaska.
4.) What type of fishing and fish species does the lodge offer?
5.) When is the best time of year to visit?
6.) Is there a good variety in the fishing techniques or species available at the lodge?
7.) Do they include guides with their lodge packages?
8.) How many guests fish with each guide?
9.) Do you fish with your group only, or does the lodge intermix you with other guests?
10). How many total guests stay at the lodge? (most often smaller lodges will offer a higher level of service and you will have much more flexibility during your stay).
11.) What would your accommodations be at the lodge? Private or shared? Cabins or rooms? Quality of accommodations and other amenities?
12.) Does the lodge include food service? Do they have kitchenettes in the cabins, or chefs that cook for you? What is the type of food they serve?
13.) Does the lodge have a bar or serve spirits?
14.) Does the lodge or camp have rod/reel rentals and/or tackle for sale or use?
15.) Does the lodge sell fishing licenses?
16.) For the package price, what does the lodge not include for your stay?
17.) What is the lodge's guest return rate? (Returning guests are a very big testimonial for the lodge you are researching).
18.) Overall, what level of service does the lodge offer you? What is the employee to client ratio of the lodge?
19.) How many days or nights can you stay? Can you arrive depart on any day of your choice? This gives you lots of flexibility!
20.) What would your daily fishing itinerary be like? Do you have the freedom to choose your own schedule or is the lodge on a defined regimen? It s all about maximizing your time!

There are obviously many other things to consider when planning a fishing trip to the great state of Alaska, but the above criteria should at least focus your attention on a venue that best meets your interests. Be sure to do your research and ask good questions. There are many great experiences and destinations in Alaska, but not all will be a great match to you. Find something that fulfills your expectations. Good fishing, safe travels and enjoy your stay and fishing experience in this great state of Alaska!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_E_Rockvam
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Lake Erie Fishing Charters

By Jason Soave

If you ask any seasoned angler about their fishing techniques, they always seem to have a single, favorite presentation. Whether it is a professional bass fisherman with that plastic worm, or a seasoned salmon angler with that old Luhr Jensen J-Plug, everyone is guilty of being one dimensional from time to time. This is a problem that has become increasingly apparent on the waters of Lake Erie over the course of the last several years, where small walleye-sized spoons have monopolized angler's tackle boxes. These spoons surely take more than plenty of fish when the conditions are right, but many anglers seem too content on using spoons in all situations, which can lead to drastically lower catches. At certain times crankbaits and stickbaits can be much more productive, for a variety of reasons. Those savvy enough to incorporate a vast array of methods into their repertoire have a much greater chance of success when they venture out onto the water.

Lake Erie is well known for its abundant walleye population, large schools of yellow perch, and shore-to-shore tourist attractions. But what goes untold is how the fishing conditions on Lake Erie can change in the blink of an eye, or with a simple change of location. Whether it is a change in water clarity, depth, water temperature, or a shift in the spawn cycle; knowing how and when to change methods will significantly boost your success rate. Someone who would know this first hand would be Capt. Mike Kahman. Capt. Mike is not only a seasoned charter captain on Lake Erie, but along with avid angler Jason Vick, he is a proud owner of Matthews Bait & Tackle (734-242-0666) located at one of Michigan's busiest Walleye ports, Bolles Harbor. Mike has been following the Walleye migratory patterns for over 15 years now and has heard his fair share of anglers talking about how the spoon bite may die from time to time. "These are the times to be versatile" states Capt. Mike. "Crankbaits and crawler harnesses can shine when the spoon bite gets tough. Anglers need to learn to be more open minded during the mayfly hatches and silver bass invasions. Diversity will lead to more consistent catches!"

Early in the year when the fish are either in the spawn or post-spawn patterns, a stickbait trolled through the shallow spawning grounds is usually the best bet. Some of my most productive types of stickbaits are Down Deep Husky Jerks (either DHJ-10 or DHJ-12), Reef Runner Deep Little Rippers, and Storm Deep Thunderstick Jrs. Many other lures of this type will likely also work, but these models are tried and true. If you are going to experiment with different types of stickbaits, be sure that they have a slow action, because the fish are typically not very aggressive during this time of the year. Speed, as always, is crucial during this time of year and is usually best between 1.0 and 2.0 mph, but should be experimented with until the best speed is found. Take the time to find what is most productive for the given day and the lures that you have in the water.

After the spawning cycle is completed, the walleye begin to school up and create their summer feeding patterns. As the water temperature warms into the 60 degree range, the spoon bite will begin to pick up as the walleye start feeding aggressively, but this may not be the best choice during this phase of the walleye migration. The reason for this is because this is usually the exact time that silver bass are beginning their spawning run and feeding heavily. If you are in an area that contains both species it is likely that the bass will attack the spoons long before the walleye ever get a chance to. Due to this it is more practical to run crankbaits such as Storm Wiggle Warts, Hot 'n' Tots, Deep Thunderstick Jrs. and the aforementioned Reef Runner Deep Little Rippers because they catch far fewer silver bass and maximize your lures' time in the water. If you find that you are still having a problem with bass, increasing the speed will usually get rid of this problem. Don't be afraid to increase it to 3.0 mph or slightly above, especially if the water temperature is in the mid 60's or higher.

Once the silver bass have moved out and the walleye have transitioned to deeper water during the summer months, both spoons and body baits can usually be used effectively. One reason that many anglers choose spoons is because they can be taken to depths of 25-30 feet quite easily with the aid of a diving device such as Big Jon Mini Discs or Luhr Jensen Jet Divers. But if those deeper fish are not responding to your spoon presentation, don't be afraid to try some of the crankbaits and stickbaits that were mentioned before. Some minor adjustments will likely need to be made to increase the depth of the lures, such as an increase in the lead lengths (sometimes up to 200') or the addition of an ounce or two of weight in front of the bait. This can be done very easily using Off Shore Tackle's Snap Weight System and using either the '20 Plus Method' or the '50-50 Method', both are described in any of the Precision Trolling Books: a must have for any serious Great Lakes troller. If you are on a tight budget, snap weights can be substituted by attaching a bell sinker to your line with a rubber band and experimenting with the weight and lead length until you locate where the active fish are. I have had many days on Lake Erie where lures brought down by snap weights will out-produce those without weight 10-1. A few feet in the water column can make a huge difference in how effective your lures are.

Another instance where spoons are often misused is in stained and murky water conditions, which arise from storms, strong winds, and drainage from nearby rivers. When this happens, spoons usually become drastically less effective, due to the fact that the walleye that inhabit these waters simply cannot find these small 'quiet' spoons. During times like this it is best to use bodybaits because they make a lot of vibration and noise while moving through the water. Bright colors such as chartreuse and orange are also necessary because they can be detected much easier by fish in low visibility situations.

Another productive method of trolling that often gets overlooked by Michigan anglers is using bottom-bouncers with crawler harness. Very few lures can compare with a live night crawler. When you are graphing fish in the bottom of the water column and other presentations have failed, it may be time to put the crawlers out and try to entice those lethargic fish that are don't seem to want to leave their deep water haunts. The key to this method is in the speed, which must be slower than any other technique mentioned earlier. It is best 0.5 and 1.5 miles per hour, any faster will remove your lures from the bottom and cause the blade on the crawler harness to spin much too fast.

No matter what your favorite technique for catching walleye from Lake Erie is, there are surely going to be times when it falters. When that happens you must be willing to adapt. An alteration of method could be the difference between a limit catch and an empty cooler.

Pike Fishing Lures - Freshwater


 In this article I will discuss the most common and used pike fishing techniques and their pike fishing lures. If you are new and interested in this highly recommended fishery, pick one or two techniques and learn and observe as much as possible to become a successful pike fisherman.

Pike Spoons/ Crankbaits/ Wobblers

The traditional northern pike lures are pike spoons and different pike crankbaits or wobblers. Many are still using these and catch many fish with them. They move in different depths from the surface to 15 - 20 feet deep and move straight forward with a wobbly and lively movements like a sick or weakened fish. Pike spoons have to be more or less constantly retrieved if the water is shallow, but are most effective when retrieved slowly.

Crankbaits or wobblers are imitations of fish that are made of wood or plastic. They have a small plate mounted under the head at an angle of approximately 40 degrees which will press these pike lures down when pulled forward. The movements are very similar to a fresh fish with some wobbly movements. Jointed wobblers have much more lively movements.

Pikes are fond of these types of lures and especially big silver pike fishing spoons (i.e. Abu`s Toby) and jointed red and white wobblers (Abu`s HILO).

Pike Swimbaits

Pike swimbaits are lures made of soft plastics and come in a large variety of shapes. They are mainly imitations of fish, frogs, snakes and other undefined shapes. The main purpose of swimbaits is to create extremely lively movements which trigger predators to attack. The most effective way to fish with these are to reel them in with a jerking motion. These movements are similar to dying or injured fish, frogs or other living water creatures, and this pattern of movement is extremely effective at triggering attacks from all predators since this represents the easiest prey to catch. When pike see these lures they often attack them from longer distances than other pike fishing lures that are similar to more healthy prey.

Pike Jerkbaits

Pike jerkbaits are very popular among pike fishing enthusiasts because they are very effective for catching pike too. These pike fishing lures are made to look like a fish and must be reeled in with jerks and snaps. This is done by nibbing with the rod tip pointing up. Different types of jerkbaits are made for fishing in different depths of water. Jerkbaits are made to represent dying fish or a weakened fish trying to escape.

Pike Top Water Lures

Fishing with pike lures that are moving on or just under the surface of the water is exciting. Pike that are in relatively shallow areas are always aware of whats going on on the surface as prey in these areas are often very easy to catch, and predators are always looking for the easiest way to fill their stomachs. Because of this, different kinds of pike poppers, jerkbaits or other top water lures are great choices for surface fishing.

It is a fact that pike eat large amounts of ducklings or frogs each year, so the combination of small birds, frogs, small mammals and dying or injured fish on the water's surface triggers ambushes from these predators. Today's top water lures are developed to imitate this group of prey both in looks and in movement. Another fun and exciting aspect of this kind of fishing is that a reaction from a pike is very visible. Often you will feel a powerful pull on the line combined with a huge splash that tears you out of your quiet relaxing state and the adrenaline rushes instantly into your veins. Personally, this is my favourite way to fish. Large buzzbaits or Spook are excellent top water lures for pike.

Northern Fly Fishing

Fly fishing for pike has become very popular and pike seem to like both poppers and large colorful and flashy flies. This type of fishing can be done from spring to autumn in relatively shallow areas. Northern flies are very effective during the spring when the water is cold and the pike are slow. Pike flies can easily be presented slowly to trigger attacks from pike. When the water is warmer and the pike hide in the weeds, it is time to use poppers.

Poppers are "flies" with a bit of floating material which will dive under the surface when you pull the line. When stopped, the popper will pop up and make waves and lively movements. This is irresistible to pikes and an ambush will soon be under way when a pike spots the popper. Haggerty lures has numerous northern flies for sale and I recommend purchasing several of those if you are new to northern fly fishing.

Pike Dead Baiting

Pike dead baiting is increasing in popularity and this type of fishing has been developed and greatly improved over the last few years. With this type of fishing, you arrange a dead bait rig and then throw at an angle into hot spots. There are many ways to arrange the pike bait so that it is presented to the pike in the depths or position where you want it. When fishing in this way you can have lots of additional equipment such as fishing bite indicators, a telescopic landing net, rod stands, keep nets, and many other things to improve and take care of the catch.

Good treatment of the caught fish is a high priority among these sport fishermen. A dead bait-fish is a very good way of catching pikes since this is an easy meal for a pike and most pike will not hesitate to grab it when they spot dead bait in their hunting wanderings. Many anglers puncture the dead bait so the smell of it alone will attract some pike which could be stationary nearby, since a pike has a well developed sense of smell.

Pike Spinners/ Spinnerbaits

Pike spinners come in many varieties and have been well-developed. Ordinary spinners consist of an oblong body, hooks and a rotating blade on the top. Spinners function well for small pike but pike spinners with some colorful feathers at the hooks that are retrieved slowly are more popular among pike. Mepps (black and yellow) or Abu reflex are extremely good pike spinners.

Spinnerbaits developed from ordinary spinners and are very effective in weedy waters or water that has a lot of snags. They consist of a 90 degree bent wire with rotating blades at one end and a big flashy and colorful skirt of hair or feathers with trebble hooks inside it on the other end. Llungen lures and Blue fox make very good spinnerbaits for pike and these are a good choice.

Spinners imitate prey fish and attract pike by sending visual impressions and vibrating signals to the pike since they are sensitive to all kind of vibrations in the water. These northern pike lures are often used by new and young sport fishermen and are a good choice because they usually attract several types of predator fish as perch, pike, bass and walleye.

Pike Ice Fishing

In the wintertime all fish eat very little and their metabolism is slow. They do not grow at all and therefore their appetite is very poor but they do eat sometimes and anglers usually catch them with dead bait or many kinds of pike jigs.

Ice fishing can be a test of patience and often you don't see many fish under the ice , but it can be very rewarding as well. I recall when we were kids we axed large holes in the ice in shallow areas and we laid on isolating plates with covers over the head. This way we could see everything down there, and it was amazing. We saw lots of different fish pass by, some sniffing the bait but moving on, while some took the bait. We often saw large pike sniffing and studying our pike fishing lures before they moved on, but we caught some of those too.

I highly recommend this as this is another exiting aspect to type of fishing. Pike ice fishing jigs are a good choice and swimming jigs are most effective in my opinion. I recommend jigging rapala or jigging shad rap. Jigging spoons are also good. Bomber or Dick Nite make great pike lures.

This was a quick description of the most common pike fishing methods and now it is your turn to find good  pike lures and pike baits and land one of those "crocs" out there.

Harald Hoel, expert of pike fishing.

Fly Fishing For Big Trout in Michigan

By

After the last of the ice has thawed and before the beginning of major inset activity, a narrow window of opportunity exists for the fly angler to tempt huge brown trout with large streamers. Here in our part of the country, the Midwest, this is normally during late May and early June.

 As water temperatures begin increasing, so does the activity of the fish. When they emerge from their winter lethargy of low metabolism, they're hungry and ready to eat. Smaller baitfish swimming near the river bank and shallows resume active feeding as well. They too are foraging, looking for anything and everything that might offer nourishment. The occasional subsurface eruption is a tell-tale signal that one has just met a swift, piscivorous end.

 One thing you can almost always count on during this time of year is a fast moving weather front. Thunderstorms can come on quickly and wreak havoc if you're not prepared. For this reason, I take advantage of the internet and the Weather Channel to help me choose fishing days least likely to be affected by weather. Despite all the forecasting in the world, sometimes I can still find myself in a precarious situation.

 One day is seared into my memory and not likely to dissipate any time soon. I was out with friend and fellow streamer freak Brad Turner during springtime a number of years back. We weren't on the water for half an hour before a fast moving weather front came in. A number of lightning bolts touching ground too close for our comfort drove us under cover. With our graphite rods judiciously placed against a tree yards away, we were set to wait it out. Rolling thunder turned into a loud CRACK that sounded like big-game rifle being fired right next to us. Having been caught in more than a few storms over the last 30 years, I've seen them come and go, but it's impossible to be ready for that blinding streak of silver from above. This one nearly required a change of britches ! It did pass, but not before giving us an incredible light show and display of the power that mother nature has hidden in those clouds above.

 Big Trout Condos
 
 Big trout like to live where they feel safe. They also like to eat feed not too far from familiar surroundings.

 Brush piles, downed trees, uprooted stumps, logjams, old docks, manmade stream improvements and deeply undercut, heavily rooted banks all qualify as home-sweet-home to an old, hook-jawed brown trout.

 Occupying some of the heaviest cover the river has to offer, he doesn't make himself easy to get at. When in search of food, he will venture from the comfort of structure to spots in the river where a feeding channel is close, but never more than a tail-kick away from the lumber and his safely zone. His home habitat is as familiar to him as your favorite living room recliner is to you. He knows exactly where he is and how to quickly get back to safety should the need arise.

 Although such large trout may move to and from their preferred lies for feeding purposes, once a dominant fish finds a comfortable location to call home, he is not likely to give it up to a subordinate fish. Work log jams with the most favorable looking surroundings. Continued depth downstream from a piling or a nice cut in the river bottom at the edge of the jam where current speeds come together below the structure and create a nice seam for fish to comfortably sit in. Oven overhanging branches from a neighboring tree that casts a shadow on the hole or run. Be deliberate and thorough in working these deep, dark, promising places.

 One such location proved fruitful on a late May day couple years ago. With an arsenal of rods, fly boxes, a cooler of Mountain Dew and submarine sandwiches, Tommy and I set out for another day of streamer fishing. No long into the day we came upon a likely looking run. I was on the oars. With a couple of casts toward the front of an ominous jam, followed by one down the gut, Tommy's line went taut before he could yell, "FISH ON !" The battle between man and beast was beautiful, each having its way with the other at different times during the tussle. I dropped anchor and hopped out of the boat, intent on getting downstream from the fish. With symphonic precision, Tommy worked the fish over a sand-bar shelf. I move in with the net and ---in the bag ! After we caught our breath, out came the camera and tape; 24 inches of hooked-jawed majesty. One look at his elongated snout and his mouthful of teeth and we named him "The Gator".
 
Another episode three years ago will not soon be forgotten. Only after casting farther and working line deeper in a run called "Kestners Corner" on the famous Pere Marquette rivers in western Michigan, did I find the sweet spot of this particular run. Sweet for the fish, but not for me and this one will remain a mystery. With friend Adam on the oars, I diligently worked tandem flies in and around various obstacles in this short S-bend of logs, stumps and boulders. Adam pumped the oars a couple times to set me up for the prime spot in the run. I measured the cast and sent my flies toward the jam. I had barely gotten my line under a finger to start stripping it back and out he came....BANG A short but swift hook-set and the battle was on. The heavy-shouldered golden brute made a dash for the wood, but with a downstream sweep of my rod, I kept him from reaching the lumber. He made another run for cover, but another rod turn and he was clear of danger. Luck was on my side.....I thought. His last run was downstream into fast, choppy water. I felt him tire, Adam was there with net in hand and ready. With a couple more turns of the reel, I was ready to bring him up. As he came to the surface, he revealed himself, "BIG fish". Another burst of energy put him just out of the nets reach. My attempt to bring him back toward us ended with him splashing frantically at the surface nearly next to the boat and next thing I see.......pop, there goes the hook and one incredible fish.

 Gearing up for the Big Boys
 
 He's not your average trout. Leave your 4 and 5 weight fly rods at home. Casting full sinking or heavy sink-tip lines with oversized streamers requires greater physical strength and persistence. A 7 or 8 weight, medium to fast action rods, measuring 8 ½ to 10 feet will deliver your offering the best. Properly balanced, such rods are light enough to allow for sustained casting throughout the day, yet have the backbone to pull a big fish out of, or away from, heavy cover and structure during a dog fight such as this.

 I recall a battle with a plump, feisty female brown trout with more speed than is often associated with large, lumber-hunkering browns. With the umpteenth cast of my 10 foot, 7 weight rod rigged with 250 grain sinking line in long deep runs, my fingers started to get number. Despite the fatigue, my cast landed between a boil from a submerged stump and a series of crisscrossed logs in a center river trough. Between strips of my streamer, the line jumped and I was off to the races with this butterscotch beauty.

 After a run of 30-40 feet downstream, most of which was less than two feet below the surface, she reversed direction with just as much vigor and was back in front of us in no time. When she made her turn close to the boat, I could see the profile and knew this was no small trout. After negotiating a few more runs around the surrounding logs, she was safely resting in the soft mesh of the net. With a short, narrow nose and an opal blue dot behind her eye, she lit up in the midday sun, all 2 foot of her.

 This pace of action can down right tire you out. It's a good idea to take an occasional break to subdue the inevitable fatigue that will set in during a full day of "big boy" streamer fishing. If you're too tired and not paying attention, you could end up casting a rather pricey rod/reel combo right into the river. However, with some patience and practice with your timing, such fishing can be very rewarding.

 Different fishing situations call for the use of sinking or sink tip lines of differing lengths and weight. If wade fishing, I might opt for a sink-tip of 8-14 feet in length, in a 250-300 grain weight. Being able to mend the back portion of the fly line will allow you to work the bottom two-thirds of the water column.

 Leaders are important, but not nearly as critical as they are for dry fly fishing. My typical streamer leader is about 3-5 feet, depending on water clarity and tapered down to 8-15 pound test. In other words, I let the river guide me......sounds odd! If the water is off color, I will increase pound strength of tippet and decrease it if water is low and/or clear. When tying fly to tippet with a standard improved clinch or Duncan Loop knot, it's helpful to balance the line strength and diameter with "How" the fly acts in the water. Specifically, how does it look in the water based on the stiffness of both high/low pound test tippet material? I will use a Rapala knot or Perfection loop knot when tying on larger streamers. With an open loop type knot, it allows the fly/flies to "bob and weave" through the water in an erratic manner which often elicits vicious strikes.

 Two years ago Marc Kiekenapp and I found ourselves drifting unknowingly close to one too many log jams and he got snagged up. I rowed over to it, he stripped extra line in to bring the snagged fly right to the rod tip to try and free it from the lumber....SNAP !....Marc's four piece rod was not a five piece. More than one rod has fallen victim to big streamer fishing. Overhanging branches, strong hooks sets and strong tippet can be a recipe for rod breakage from time to time, bring an extra rod along just to be safe.

 Supersize Flies
 
Let your conventional size 6 Black Nose Dace, Mickey Finns or Muddler Minnows rest comfortably in their own box next to your summertime dry fly box of Elk Hair Caddis and PMD's. To lure a really large trout, you have to start thinking BIG. Streamers that look like small rodents with hooks. The flies you should be packing are four to six inches long, sometimes even longer depending on conditions. Often constructed with two hooks and connected with heavy backing, heavy monofilament, wire or a combination, they are truly a "creation" by the fly tier. Some are weighted to go deep, others aren't in order to ride high in the water column. Some look more like Christmas tree ornaments than traditional trout streamers. Not to say that the "classics" don't work, but you will increase your chances for a big boy considerably by increasing the size of the fly you're fishing. A big trout wants a mouthful if it's going to spend the energy chasing food. It's a thrill to see a large fly, undulating through the water as it's retrieved and then suddenly engulfed by a dark shadow that bolts out of nowhere and buckles your rod to the cork......my heart start pounding just thinking about it !
 
Vary color and combinations to correspond to differences in water depth, clarity, flow, light conditions and even physical makeup of the river. When throwing tandem streamers, I like to have one offset the other in color and/or action. Tip drab olive fly could be followed by a sparkly rainbow pattern, black followed by white, cream deer hair head (will suspend a bit due to deer hair), trailed by a bright yellow. The combinations are many and it doesn't hurt to try out different combinations on different rivers.

 I have found some consistency in productive patterns when fishing high water with some "tint" to it. Under such conditions, a fly with a good silhouette will draw more attentions from fish than a sparse, faint pattern. When working a stretch of river filled with log jams that have a dark back drop, I will use lighter combinations since they will show up good with that dark wood behind it. If the run is a deeper "cut" or trough adjacent to quality lumber based cover, but has a sand bottom, I will be quick to go dark due to the comparatively light back drop of the sand bottom.
 
Two years ago I was fishing a black strip leech, trailed by a white baitfish pattern. An enormous brown trout bolted from cover to inspect the leech, only to pinwheel back and absolutely HAMMER the white fly. I often wonder if an attention-getting front fly acts as an attractor more often than we "know". Since only the fish have that answer, it's still just a theory. There are no hard and fast rules here, experimentation has often led to some great discoveries in the world of fly fishing.

 Technique
 
Casting supersized flies cannot merely tire you out; it can be downright dangerous if not carried out with your full attention and some practice prior to getting in the river. Case in point - following a heart-pounding episode where a true trophy TRUTTA showed himself with a quick chase and short inspection of my fly, I frantically attempted to re-cast to the same spot, only to have it all come to a halt with a five inch streamer pattern hanging from my EAR !.....OUCH ! Sunglasses or other eye protection are critical to have on when casting big flies.

 Given that most any river can be fished with large, gaudy streamers, it's now a matter of how to effectively cast such large flies, get them where you want AND not put a hook in your fishing buddy.

 My vision of traditional streamer fishing involves casting toward a bank at a 90 degree angle
- perpendicular in other words - and working the fly back into mid river as though it got caught sideways in the current and is now susceptible to any nearby ambush artists....big trout ! Logic here is that by casting toward the bank, "maybe" just a bit downstream from perpendicular, that you're putting your fly in front of the greatest number of fish. This is due to the fact that trout need to keep their noses into the current to most effectively pump water and oxygen through their gills. After retrieving fly/flies to just shy of the sink line-leader knot, pick up, false cast once, maybe twice to lengthen slightly or change direction a bit, present fly, let is sink slightly and begin the stripping sequence and repeat as you work your way down river. Repeat the process, focusing on likely holding water such as medium depth and medium current speed runs, troughs and jams.

 Sounds good, but what's wrong with this approach ??? Nothing, IF you have the room to back cast 15-25 or more feet of line. When using larger flies that cast and track differently in the water, a few things can be done with the cast and retrieve to keep your flies where you want them and not beat your body up too badly while chucking around big macs all day.

 I like to employ a roll cast set up when working with heavy sink lines and big flies. Like a traditional roll cast, the motion is similar, but for different reasons. Rather than stripping the fly all the way back to nearly the tip of the rod, instead begin the roll cast motion once you see your fly or have a pretty good idea that it's only 6-8 feet out from the rod tip. By starting the roll cast at this time, you're accomplishing 2 things in one continuous motion; not bringing ALL of your line in and then having to cast a clunky knot through various snake guides on your rod, but still keeping flies in the water for the greatest distance you can. Should a strike come at the end, when your flies are a mere few feet from your casting position, you can strip one big arm length of line in and still have enough tension to set the hook. Polarized glasses help a lot when training your eyes to look for the flies, versus aimlessly stripping away until you hear the line-leader knot clumsily climb through the tip-top of your rod.            

 By keeping some line outside your rod tip and using the first part of the roll cast motion as a "set up"- soft roll cast that has your flies land very close, but in FRONT of you - it's rather easy to then simply pick up line, execute a short back cast and shoot the remainder of your fly line. An exceptional technique on smaller streams, it's also a great way to fish larger rivers. Once you get into a rhythm, it's a very effective method for covering a lot of water and minimizing the wear on your body, especially the casting arm and shoulder

Once in the "big fly" mindset, it's critical to strip whatever streamer pattern(s) you're casting, at a speed consistent with that of the natural that you're trying to duplicate with your fly. In other words, don't strip a 2" baitfish pattern in rapid, 20-30" increments, a fish that small cannot swim that fast ! This being said, I'm not a strong proponent of the slow strip during prime streamer time, which are the warming months of April and May in the Midwest. In some cases, you have to get a fish on the verge of hysteria to follow a big streamer. Sometimes that means running it by them at a pace that's slow enough for them to catch, yet fast enough to make them nearly swim out of their scales trying to get it. As we "match the hatch" with surface feeding trout, we can do nearly the same with streamers at times. Identify what big trout are likely to be feeding on based on the river and habitat and then duplicate the fly, motion and speed of retrieval to best match the natural. Large trout eat fish and they're used to chasing them down.......give 'em what they want and what they're familiar with.

 The Secret to Coaxing a Big Fish
 
 As with so much else in life, success in hooking and landing big trout is fundamentally a matte of putting in your time. Few anglers I know can pick up a big-fly rig and cast it effortlessly and accurately if they have not devoted hours of time and sustained effort to this type of fly fishing. Even those who have fished this way have to get re-accustomed to the whole feel of this game. "A bit rusty, eh?" is a common phrase early spring from friends and fellow anglers I may be on the water with. We all throw some wayward casts early in the season. But once "dialed in", although not always poetry in motion, it is rather magical to watch and only then can one turn the tables on large trout, when WE become the predator.
  
 Streamer fishing for big trout is definitely not for everyone. You first have to accept the givens of this approach.

1 - You're not going to catch a lot of fish and may get only a few good shots at them.

2 - Hooked doesn't mean landed. I lost one of the nicest brown trout that I've ever seen, let alone hooked on a streamer, right at the net after negotiating numerous obstacles like stumps, boulders, an entire log jam and a tricky turn in the river. Friend Adam was ready with the net......and I lost him. As much as we "willed" that fish another 10 inches closer to the rim of the net, it didn't happen.

3 - You will get tired. Your arm may feel like Jell-O at the end of a full day of tossing around rag dolls.

4 - You will lose flies, some very elaborate that may have taken you or another person quite a while to tie.

5 - You can experience glory and agony with the same fish in a matter of seconds....some of which you will remember forever....

Jeff Bacon - West Michigan, Orvis Endorsed, Fly Fishing Guide & Author
Are you looking for the fly fishing adventure of your life? Join me on the river for an experience you'll never forget!