Discovering the Perfect Fishing Charter

By Evan Pacana

As a passionate angler, there's a good chance that you might completely get a kick out of taking a fishing charter on your next vacation or weekend getaway. Bear in mind though that there are lots of considerations when choosing to go fishing with a charter boat. Here are the preliminary steps you will need to take before even thinking about a charter boat:

- Just what kind of fish do you want to catch?- Do you want to go fresh water fishing or deep sea fishing?- Will you be looking for a party boat or a trolling boat?- Do you have all the necessary gear for the type of sportfishing you are considering?

Picking the Charter Boat

When you have all those questions out of the way you can begin the process of choosing a charter boat. Do not simply order the first outfit you discover. So you know exactly just what to expect, make certain you do your research. Here is the process you ought to follow to schedule the right fishing charter:

1) Do all of your research soon enough to reserve the boat a minimum of 2 weeks in advance. You will discover that the better boats are generally booked well in advance, so giving yourself as much time before your trip is a great idea if you do not want to be disappointed and agree to a lesser boat. We suggest that you have a look at at least 3 charter boats in detail before picking one to book.

2) When you have a short list of charter companies, contact each one directly. Ask them questions about just what to expect, what sorts of fish you will likely catch, what the conditions are presently like and of course what is the cost of the charter. Also, find out if there is a deposit called for and just what happens if you have to cancel.

3) Determine just how many individuals will be on the boat. Fresh water boats and ocean trolling boats may have from 2-8 individuals, but deep sea bottom fishing boats are typically party boats and can have dozens of anglers on board.

4) Does the charter include drinks and food? Additionally, are you permitted to bring alcohol on board? These things are good to know since you could wind up extremely hungry by the end of the day if there is no food on board and you have not brought your own food along.

5) Leave early and attempt to arrive early on the day of the trip. Absolutely nothing is worse than losing your deposit and your enjoyable day of sportfishing because you hit traffic and turned up 20 minutes late at the docks.

6) Does the charter boat supply bait? Do they also offer fish cleaning services as part of the package. It can be a great deal better having the fish cleaned and packaged on the boat instead of cleaning them yourself once you return home, especially if you live any distance from the charter boat.

7) Plan on tipping the captain and crew. This is a generally accepted practice and will help you to build a relationship with the captain if you plan on using the same charter service in the future. A good guideline when tipping is 15-20 % of the charter price.

8) Have a good time and enjoy your fishing charter!

About the Author:

Evan Pacana loves anything to do with fishing industry and he has often penned articles on fishing charters for vipfishingcharters.com.

Dead Bait or Live Bait? Ice Fishing for Pike

By Dave Selleck

Have you ever ice fished for pike? Whether you use dead bait, such as perch or smelt, or live bait such as large minnows, the method of fishing you choose will determine how you plan your trip. Ice fishing has grown by leaps and bounds through the last several decades due in part to the development of better clothing and shanties. I have fished blue gill, crappie, walleye, perch, and Pike through the ice. It's a kind of fishing that doesn't suit everyone, because you need to have correct clothing so you don't get cold. You also have to choose a particular technique and the gear that goes with it because spearing, tip-ups or bobber fishing all require different gear.

Pike are the prize in ice fishing; it's a great thrill to bring a huge pike through a relatively small hole in the ice. (There are great YouTube videos of ice fishing for monster Pike and Muskie that you might want to watch.)

Here are three things to think about when you're trying to decide what kind of fishing you want to do and what gear you want, or don't want to haul out onto the ice:

• Decoy. You can stay in a shanty, watch a decoy and spear Pike through the hole in the ice. Of course that involves getting the shanty out onto the ice... a whole different conversation! Pike are curious and territorial so watching a decoy can be exciting. I remember fishing with a decoy on a sunny day in a dark shanty. I was over about 5 feet of water over sandy bottom. The view was fantastic and I could see clearly. I turned away to pour a cup of coffee and then like a stealth missile there he was, a huge Pike examining my decoy, just sitting there. I slowly grabbed my three-tinned fork and raised it up. I jabbed the spear into the water and the fish moved in a quick dodge, making my stab a worthless stab into the sand. It was fun, even in missing him, just for the excitement and memory.
• Dead bait. Attach a dead smelt or perch to your quick-strike rig with a bobber and watch what happens.Pike scavenge for food and will take a dead fish as easily as a live one. You can add flavorings and colors to the dead bait to increase their attraction factor.
• Tip-ups: dead or alive. Tip-ups are popular in Michigan because you can set up two of them (which is the maximum number here) or set up a tip-up and fish out of a hole at the same time. No shanty is required with this method. There are a variety of tip-ups you can use: wooden, metal or plastic varieties. All of them work well. The set up uses a reel of heavy line hooked up to a dead bait set-up with a perch or smelt or a large live Pike minnow. Swedish hooks, circle hooks and some treble hooks can be used to make a deadly rig to catch and haul a Pike through the hole. There is usually a flag that is hooked onto the tip-up which is released when a Pike takes the bait. There's no hurry when a flag goes up, but it is important to ease up to the tip-up and see if line is continuing to go out. When the line stops going out, ease the tip-up out of the hole and grab the line with your gloves on. Pull the line up slowly, hand over hand, until you feel the weight of the fish and then jerk the line to set the hook. Hang on for a fight and continue to keep the pressure on the fish until you can ease him through the hole. Marvel at the size and beauty of the fish!

Fishing in the winter is good exercise and a great way to enjoy the weather while you try to catch a lunker Pike through the ice.

Dave Selleck has been fishing for pike in the great lakes area and Canada since he was a small child. Now he wants to pass on what he's learned to others so that they can experience the thrill of hunting and catching these monster fish.

Fishing for Pike is a great way to spend an afternoon. Find out more about what fish to use for dead bait and how to use them to catch more Pike. Learn more tips about how to catch Pike on our website

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Where You Can Get Your Local Fishing Licencse

By Andrew Rufus

Many individuals know very little about fishing. Other people, however, really know their stuff. They know it so well in fact that they have won money in fishing tournaments. No matter what your level of expertise, you can always learn more. Skills can be improved upon and new ones learned. The following advice can help you become a better fisherman.

Fly fishing is not something that is quickly mastered. Casting a fly rod is a fairly complicated technique that must be practiced over and over to be perfected. As time passes, you will get better and begin casting with greater precision.

While fishing is a wonderful way to get away from life and relax, you shouldn't go alone. If you get into an accident or you get stranded, having another person with you makes it easier to manage.

To be a good fisherman, you must attract fish to your bait. This could be done through lures that mimic certain creatures. Use baits that will successfully behave like real creatures that the fish actually eat.

If you can, do not let the fish you caught go to waste. Naturally, you enjoy the excitement of bringing home a large catch of fish. However, if you end up throwing a lot of them away, then you have really wasted a precious natural resource. If you think you have too many fish, simply share them or release them back into the wild.

Fishing demands a great deal of patience. If it's hard for you, you may need to find a different sport that relies on less patience and time. On the other hand, fishing may help you to train yourself to become more patient. Just start with short fishing trips.

To have a successful day of fishing, ensure you are properly prepared. It doesn't matter if you are fishing from the pier, shore or boat, you should always make sure in advance that you have the supplies necessary for success and safety. Rest assured that a lack of preparation will greatly reduce your chances for having a great fishing day.

Stay quiet while fishing. More than just about any other disturbance, a loud noise will scare fish fast. By keeping your voice down and being quiet, fish are more likely to be lured in.

A lot of the better fish you'll want to catch are also hunters themselves. When searching for fish who are also predators, look out for their bait-fish. Pick a tempting lure which will target your quarry to drop in a school of their bait-fish.

If you discover you aren't experiencing any luck on your fishing trip, you should try changing your bait's color. Some fish like bright colors, and others like more subdued colors. Your bait should span the rainbow of colors, so you are prepared for any fishing situation.

If you are fishing in a stream or river, cast your line upstream and allow the current to take your lure into the fishing hole. This makes your bait more natural, which increases chances of catching a fish. Make sure your line isn't in the water.

Instead of open water, try fishing near structures in the water, such as fallen trees, river banks, and anything else that might serve as shelter to many types of fish. Fish live and congregate around these protective structures, making them easier to catch. You could even catch a large bass when fishing closely to the shore.

Always take good sunscreen with you when you go fishing. Large bodies of water can reflect the sun as much as the sky above. Protect your exposed skin by using a quality SPF 15 or higher sunscreen, and reapply it after every hour or two.

The whole point of fishing is to catch fish. Fishermen of any level can benefit from some extra knowledge. Use the advice learned here to raise your chances of catching those elusive fish.

About the Author:

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Fishing Nasty Northern Pike

By Robert D Phillips

Finding and catching small northern pike is relatively easy. They spend most of their time in shallow, weedy areas from 2 to 15 feet deep. But catching those nasty monster northern pike is not as simple. They are found among the smaller pike during the spring, but as it warms up in the summer they move into deeper water, 15 to 30 feet or more. Fishing for these big fish becomes more difficult because they are more scattered. Summer angling for northern pike is also difficult if the water becomes too warm. If pike cannot find cooler water they do not eat as frequently or eat very little.

Northern pike are best fished during the daylight hours. They are rarely caught while fishing later at night but it does happen.

The mature northern pike generally stay in one area, hiding in weedy cover waiting for that bait fish or hopefully your enticing lure or bait. Typically northern pike lay motionless waiting in ambush in the weeds or near submerged cover like logs or rocks. Then they like to make short vicious lunges at passing baite fish and again your enticing offering. They can live in almost any freshwater environment.

Inlets and bays on the larger lakes or even the Great Lakes in Canada and the US harbor large numbers of 

large northern pike. These bays have slightly warmer water and more food than the open water.

Smaller northern lakes of the Canadian Shield can grow trophy northern pike, usually because they do not have the heavy fishing pressure of the southern lakes, they survive longer and grow to trophy size.

Weedy bays and marshes of most lakes all hold northerns, manmade reservoirs hold large northern pike with all that submerged cover created is perfect environment for these nasty boys.

Bobber fishing for northern pike is a great, fun way to fish. Northerns cannot resist a big minnow dangling from a bobber. They may sit and just stare, but eventually that nasty pike will strike out and attack. Just cast that bobber and bait close to a likely weed-line, drop off, sunken island or point, then just sit back, relax and enjoy.

A bobber rig is easily made, use a 12 inch steel leader and a #1 hook. Attach a 1 1/2 or 2 inch bobber to the line. Add sinkers or split shot to balance. Hook a large minnow in the upper lip or just behind the dorsal fin. Regardless of the type of minnows you use try to use something at least 6 inches long.

The strike of a northern pike is usually violent. The fish may yank the bobber under on one strike. Release the line after the strike. A pike often grabs the bait in the middle or crosswise and then run with it. Then it will stop to swallow the bait, reel in any slack line then make your snap and set the hook. The fight of a big northern pike will test your tackle and of course your skill. Often they will put up very little fight until they are close to the boat or shore. Then without warning that northern will make a few long runs or even clear the surface in a leap to throw that hook, so get out there and have fun and enjoy yourself.

After northerns have left the shallows in summer trolling fast is a great way to entice these nasty predators to strike. Troll just off the weed beds, in about 20 feet of water, with large lipped deep diving plugs that will track straight at higher speeds. Most anglers use a stiff rods and level wind reels with 20 to 30 pound test line.

With that snake-like body, huge head and razor-sharp teeth, the northern pike has a fearsome appearance and a nasty reputation to match. It is not uncommon for a pike to strike a large bass, perch or walleye struggling on the end of your line. In some cases they will just not let go even when up to the boat.

In most waters, the northern pike is top dog. They will also feed on muskrats, mice, turtles, salamanders, small ducks and other birds, although they eat mostly fish. Often they will take on other fish half their size.

When northern pike are prowling the shallows, casting allows you to fish weeds or snag infested areas you could not otherwise fish. Lures; with lively action work best. Metal spoons that wobble entice the strike. Try using bright colors red yellow and silver work fine. Just vary your speed and jerk the bait now and then to attract the fish, again just go fishing and enjoy!

Rober D Phillips has been fishing Canada coast to coast for over 20 years, visit his site Reel Fishing for information on all species from arctic char to walleyes and more.

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What You Need To Keep Minnows Alive

By Herman Fivee

Fishing can be a great way to do do so many things: it can be a great way to enjoy family time, it can be a great way to enjoy nature, and it can be a great way to have a fun time. These tips will help you have more fun by becoming a better fisherman.

As you leave to fish, it is important that you understand how much weight your boat is able to hold. This can be a deadly mistake if you are in deep water and the boat capsizes. Make sure to be safe by staying well under the weight capacity of your boat.

Lure type is vital when fishing for bass. You need to determine which lure you want to use based on the current fishing conditions. Different times of day require different lures. In addition, different parts of the water may be more effective. Each lure has a purpose and should be used for the appropriate fish species. With a little practice, you will soon be able to pick the right lure for any situation.

Look at the wind when you decide you want to fish. If it's windy out, fish will most likely go with the current which usually puts them at one particular area in the lake. You should be casting into the wind. Having said this, if you discover the wind is extremely powerful, then the fish will likely remain near the lake's bottom so that you are unable to reach them.

Develop a feel for the daily schedule of the fish you are after. Many people think that fish are active early in the morning and late at night. Different fish have different preferences for feeding times and conditions so learn about the habits of the fish that you are pursuing. Because of this, you need to do specific research on the species of fish you want to catch.

Walleye and smallmouth bass can be more particular about the live bait you use. In addition to your normal live bait, include some leeches. You can use leeches and keep them overnight in a well ventilated plastic or Styrofoam container with some water in the bottom.

When spending time in the outdoors, have respect for Mother Nature. Respect your environment, and treat it well by cleaning up after yourself. Keep in mind that nature is for everyone, and that includes people, fish, animals and other wildlife. Therefore, respect nature and clean up after yourself.

It is a good idea for a beginner to go fishing with an expert or with a guided tour. A professional guide or expert can provide you with a ton of tips you can't find elsewhere. You should select a guide that has a good reputation.

When you fish you want to make sure you don't litter. Fish will stay away from areas of water that have trash or debris. This spoils the area for everyone, in addition to reducing your own chances of catching any fish there.

Always remember to wet your line prior to tying on a knot. It will minimize the friction incurred as you tie, and it will toughen up the knot itself. A clinch or double fisherman's knot are the best choices for your line.

When fishing at a catch and release area, or if you just want to let the fish go, you need to learn the proper way to release it. Make sure that your hands are wet before removing your hook from the fish's mouth. Put the fish back in the water immediately. If your hook is firmly lodged in your catch, simply cut the line close to the mouth.

You should vary your bait colors if using artificial bait. This tip can be especially helpful if you have been on the water for awhile, and haven't had a bite. Sometime trying atypically colored bait may yield more successes.

Most fisherman own a lot of lures, but a lot of them only own a few reels. Always remember to store your reels properly, as this way they will last longer. Proper reel care involves cleaning your line prior to your final reel, and reducing tension directed at the star wheel while the reel is in an idle state.

As mentioned before, fishing is seen as a great relaxing, bonding experience for families. If you want to learn more about fishing, this article is the perfect place to start.

About the Author:

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Northern Pike Fly Fishing

By Harald Hoel

When you are going northern fly fishing with your fly fishing rod, which pike fishing flies and pike tackle you use is not that important. Personally, I prefer to fish with a fiver-sixer rod but before you begin it is important to use a trace. I usually attach a common wire trace of a half-rod length with 0.4 mm. line. There is also a pure kevlar trace on 5 meter reels which is smooth and fine. You will find kevlar steel a bit stiffer because it has a thin wire inside, both of different thicknesses. 90% of the time the pike takes the fly gently and usually gets hooked in the lip. It is then up to you to "steer" the fish so it does not swallow the line further inside the mouth. The flies can vary from smaller streamers to large tube flies. A variant is to use a floating fly and fish with sinking line. It is preferable to use a boat, but keep in mind some lakes have boat restrictions so it is a good idea to first check local restrictions for the lake.

As long as the water is free of ice, one can fly fish for pike any time of the year, finding pike in hiding places such as next to weeds, trees and other objects. An advantage to having a boat, is that one can set anchor on the outside of the pike's hiding places and throw the line to the edges. On a side note, I have experienced that the pike prefer my lugworm imitation which is an all-around fly which can not only be used to catch pike, but also salmon, sea trout, mackerel, perch, cod, trout and many others - but back to the fishery. You, of course have to take the season in consideration. If it is early spring, the pike are in deeper water so it is no use throwing against weeds. Instead, put on one or two sinkers and fish in 10 or more feet of water.

Later, when the water temperature rises to 10-14 degrees Celsius you can begin fishing in the shallows and in the edge of the weeds. From here, throw the northern fly in to the weed-edge and jerk it with some longer and shorter pauses. The pike will either take it with a splash or they will be very discrete. It is here that the hooking is very important. If you were unlucky and did not get the fly hooked in the lip, it can be hard to get it attached anywhere in the fish's mouth. Considering you have rather bendable tackle for northern pike fishing you have to put some power in to get it hooked. After this is done it is important to have the pike in deeper water, or else it will go straight to the bottom and get stuck, which can be very frustrating if it is a big pike. Because the pike is a great fighter, it is insanely fun to get it on a pike fly, even if it is only 2.2lbs (4.4kg) since the small pike are actually livelier than the larger ones. You will certainly have some struggles in the fight since the pike has great strength and energy.

When the pike is tired and it comes easily to the boat side or water's edge, it can still explode in anger when it sees you. Suddenly and from out of nowhere it may give you the biggest fight you have experienced. When the fish is visible in the water, it is very important to see how the pike fly is attached so you know how you should steer the fish. Remember to bring a big telescopic landing net to help get the fish out of the water. If you have completely exhausted the fish it is crucial to hold it under water and "pump" it back and forth until it begins to swim by itself. This is important or else it may sink to the bottom and die of oxygen shortage. (Don't forget to watch your fingers in any pike fishing ).

Follow these guidelines when you are out doing northern fly fishing and your chances are good to land some nice pike.

Harald Hoel,expert of pike fishing.
Pike Lures

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Best Tips To Plan Your Next Fishing Trip

By Lim Vicent

Has fishing been something that you have lost interest in because you haven't had success with it? Delay no longer, because the piece that follows is packed with useful information to help you start fishing immediately. Have a look through and see what you can learn about fishing.

Take food and water with you on your trip, even throwing in a little extra. If ever you get stranded in horrible weather and you have to wait for a storm to pass, you will find extra water and food handy. Even if you are not stuck, keeping a full stomach while fishing will help your patience when the fish are not biting.

When you plan to spend a day on the water fishing, it is important to prepare properly. Take along the necessities, of course, and a few luxuries as well. They will make your fishing trip much more enjoyable. Do not take a lack of preparation lightly, as it can spell doom for your fishing activities.

The most fun fish to catch are often hunters themselves. When you are looking for predatory fish, look for schools of their preferred bait-fish instead. Use a lure to attract your target and cast it in the center of the bait-fish.

When you find a good spot, throw your cast upstream from it. By casting upstream from the location you want to fish, your bait will float down past the fish. This looks natural and can can do as much, or more, to attract a fish as your choice in bait can. This method works especially well if the place where the fish are, is under an obstruction.

If your goal is to catch some small-mouth bass, you should fish in a rocky area since that's the type of area they favor. In addition, in the springtime months, bass tend to like shallow water rather than deeper spots. These shallower areas keep the fish warm when the weather is cooler.

Cast upstream so that your bait can be gently carried into the area you wish to fish. This looks more natural to the fish and makes it more likely that you will catch something. Pay attention to whether you have allowed for more line than is needed in the water.

Day and night fishing need different approaches taken. Both night and day fishing can be really rewarding. Whenever for fishing for something like bass, it is important to use heavier lures so that you have a better feel for the lure in the water. When night fishing, you may find plastic worms, hair jigs, and pork rinds to come in handy. To avoid tangling your line, use single lures.

Staying hydrated while fishing is just as important as with any other exercise. Regardless of whether or not you feel thirsty, sip on water throughout the day. Dehydration is sneaky; it has a rapid onset that is accompanied by vertigo and fatigue. This could cause you to fall overboard. Ironically, water might be the key to saving yourself from drowning.

Always be aware of what the weather will throughout the day at the spot where you plan on going fishing. No one wants to find themselves in the middle of the water during a sudden thunderstorm. Take a look at the weather report to put yourself in the best position for your fishing excursion.

Select bait with care. There is little that is more frustrating than sitting out for an entire day only to catch no fish at all. Spend some time researching bait, to find out which type of bait is appropriate for the fish you want to catch. Different fish require different bait. Having the right bait will result in a better catch.

As you have seen, fishing can be an enjoyable hobby for almost anyone. Whether you use basic equipment or have the most current gear available, fishing offers something positive to everybody. Consider the information above the next time you go fishing, and who knows -- you might just catch "the big one!"

About the Author:

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Spring Fishing for Pike & Musky

 By David Wright

It may sound silly to say that Inland Northwest anglers have discovered "Esox" fishing. After all, the "Northern Pike" and its half brothers and sisters, the "Tiger Musky", have been around this neck of the woods for several years. Northern Pike were illegally introduced into the lateral lakes of the Coeur d'Alene river system in the 1970's with a mature pike fishery being pretty much established throughout all of Lake Coeur d'Alene by the 1980's. There is also a well-established Pike population in the Pend Orielle River system. While the debate rages over the negative impacts to the native species and established cold-water fisheries, the fact remains, the Northern Pike is probably here to stay. During a recent visit to Coeur d'Alene, "In-Fisherman" personality, "Al Lindner" was quoted as saying that the next U.S. record pike may very well come from Coeur d'Alene Lake.

In addition to the Northern Pike, intentional and planned introduction by fisheries biologists of the Northern Pike/Musky hybrids, (known as the "Tiger Musky"), have been stocked in select lakes in Washington State to provide a large species trophy fish and to predate on populations of less desirable species.But do many anglers actually fish to intentionally target these species? The majority of catches of Northern Pike fall into the category of "incidental catches". That is, they are caught while fishing for other species, predominantly by bass fisherman. The fact is that fishing lures and techniques utilized for bass work quite well for pike also. Furthermore, since bass and pike tend to inhabit the same areas this further elevates the frequency of pike or musky catches.

Many area have anglers found that the thrill of the strike and the subsequent battles to boat these behemoths were worth the effort to target them specifically. Taking advantage of the opportunistic feeding behavior of Pike, "dead-baiting" or "smelting" was born. A waiting game, "smelting" involves the use of a frozen dead smelt or herring embedded with two hooks and suspended off the bottom by means of a large foam float or bobber. The fisherman simply waits until the bobber starts to take off and then sets the hook. While effective, and responsible for some very large Pike, the technique misses the excitement that comes with a top-water strike. Bass fishermen know what I'm talking about. Nothing gets the heart thumping more than seeing your quarry ferociously attack a lure while aggressively ripping it across the water.

Actively targeting and pursuing Pike and Tiger Musky often involves utilizing good fish-finding sonar to track submerged weed lines, research into where the fish stage and spawn in the spring, and often hundreds, (if not thousands), of casts of large heavy jerk-baits, spoons, spinner baits, and buck tails. It's definitely not for the fisherman who is happy to sit and nap on the shore waiting for the fish to bite. Sometimes all the angler will get for his trouble is sore arms and shoulders, but often, he is rewarded with a heart-stopping strike where his prey pounds the lure resulting in a water-churning fight.

Large Pike in the early spring take to the shallow, weed-choked bays and inlets to spawn. Often retrieving baits through this salad of vegetation is nearly impossible. Making it even more maddening... you can often see large monster pike just below the surface. You know that there is no way that you can retrieve a jerk-bait past them without snagging huge clumps in the process. Even if you could, they often turn their noses up at larger baits during this time. The answer is often "finesse baits". Small soft plastic fish imitations, weighted only with an off-set hook, and cast past the targeted fish. Spinning rods and reels seem to work best with such light weight baits but some adept bait-casters will do just fine as well. As you retrieve you attempt to bring the bait within eyesight of, but not too close. If you see the Pike aggressively moving after the bait you might actually speed up your retrieval. You might get a fish to eye your bait, approach to within inches, and then turn away. Varying your presentation by a series of twitches, stalls, jerks and teasing movements can often trigger the strike. The really exciting part of this is actually having the conditions to watch the whole process. It takes a relatively calm surface with little or no wind, a good pair of polarized sunglasses and a boat with a quiet electric trolling motor. Still quieter approaches might be attained with a push-pole. Obviously, you want to get close enough to see the fish, but not so close that you spook them.

Pike and Musky have very sharp teeth and are quite capable of neatly slicing through even heavy monofilament line. Steel leaders have been a staple of pike fishing for years, but because of their added weight, they are nearly impossible to utilize when finesse fishing little plastic fish baits. The solution has been the introduction of fluorocarbon lines. Strong, nearly invisible in the water, and highly abrasion resistant, fluorocarbon works quite well as a leader material with these toothy critters. It needs to be at least 18 to 20 pound test and you will still loose a few to line cutting, but the majority will be unable to sever it. After each fish you would do well to feel the line for any nicks, cuts, or abrasions, then trim and re-tie. The best I have used has been the "P-Line" products of pure fluorocarbon. You should try to select a color matched to the water you're fishing.

One other thing needs to be said regarding weather. One of my best days fishing for Tiger Musky's was an early spring day during repeated rain squalls and lightning. I don't recommend being on the water during an electrical storm. That being said; during a two hour period of brief rain storms, I caught six Tiger Musky trolling a Lucky-Craft Pointer 128 in Aurora Black. This bait actually has been my "Go-to" bait for Pike and Musky.

Try some of these techniques the next time you are on the water where there are Pike and Musky. You just might find that the next Pike or Musky you catch was not an "incidental" catch, and was actually the fish you intended to catch.

Where to go: Lake Coeur d'Alene and the chain lakes of the Coeur d'Alene River, Idaho, (Pike), Fernan Lake, Idaho, (Pike), Long Lake, Washington, (Pike), Silver Lake, Washington, (Tiger Musky), Hauser Lake, Idaho, (Tiger Musky). Google searches will also yield several destinations in Montana Rivers and reservoirs for pike.

Equipment:

Rod: 6 ½ to 7 foot, medium to heavy rods, ¾ to 1 ounce.

Reel: Bait-caster for heavy weight lures, spinning for light.

Line: Heavy braid with fluorocarbon leaders, (2 to 3 foot length).

Ty-Gear®, tie-able steel leader.

Lures: Large heavy jerk baits, swim baits and crank baits.

David Wright has been a resident of the Inland Northwest, (Spokane, WA), for more than fifty years. He has fished the area since childhood and knows the waters of Washington, Idaho and Montana well. He is the Editor and Publisher of the Monthly On-line Fishing Magazine, "Max-fishing", ([http://www.max-fishing.com]). Dedicated to providing current fishing information by printing articles, providing a fishing forum, free classifieds for used fishing gear, boats and finding a fishing buddy. The site also provides product and video reviews, an events calendar, area fishing reports and a section for visitors to post pictures of their catches.

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Things You Should Consider When Going Deep Sea Fishing

By Chssere Lasede

While you may hear people talking about fishing all the time, it's becoming less common as a hobby. Whether you're camping, or just out for a day trip, there are many enjoyable areas for fishing. Read this article to learn all about fishing and what you can do to make it an enjoyable hobby.

While fishing, it is essential that you stay quiet. Excess noise can scare fish away from your area, making it harder to catch them. Talking loudly is a no-no. A loud boat or clattering tackle box can also send the fish scattering.

A sharpened fishing hook is essential to being a good fisherman. It keeps the fish caught while you reel it in. Check the sharpness of your hooks regularly, and replace or sharpen them before your next fishing outing if they become dull.

An important part of catching a fish is convincing it that your bait is real food for it to go after. Lures which are very realistic work quite well. Consider using lures that replicate bait fish that are currently active, such as grubs or frogs.

Use larger lures or more bait whenever you are targeting larger fish. Although this seems like common sense, many people don't think about it. Larger fish are going to be more intrigued by a larger food opportunity. The chances of you catching a larger fish are greater when you use a bigger lure since it will scare away smaller fish.

Bass is a good beginner's fish. Bass can be easier to lure than other types of fish. Once you master bass fishing, you might want to keep doing it, as some bass will put up a huge fight that will be the highlight of your day.

Your hook must be very sharp to catch as many fish as possible. Without a sharp hook, there is a good chance the fish or even your bait could get away. Sharpen your hooks, or buy new ones before setting out on your fishing trip.

Be responsible when you fish. You should maintain and preserve any environment you fish in. If you take drinks and food along, don't litter. Always be aware of any limitations on how many fish you are allowed to catch and adhere to that number. Humanely release any fish which are too small to eat.

Put your bait low to the ground if you're looking for catfish since they're bottom feeders. Generally, a catfish must be lured with live bait and sufficient weight on the line so your bait gets deep into the catfish's territory.

If fly fishing, avoid wind. You won't cast as effectively if it's very windy outside. It is best to fish during mornings or evenings since the wind should not be blowing at these times of the day. If you discover it's too windy while fishing, then just make sure you are fishing in the other direction away from the wind.

When you plan your fishing trip, be sure to carry a sharp knife inside of your tackle box. As simple as it may seem, a knife is highly functional and can help you in a number of sticky situations. Be sure it's a high-quality knife that is sharp and rust-resistant.

Fishing technology has advanced considerably over the centuries, but it's still possible to fish up something great with an old-fashioned string line. Through the text you have read above, you should be able to easily improve on your fishing skills. Remember to practice on your craft using these tips.

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How to Use Deadbaits for Pike Fishing

By Barbara Stec

Deadbaits of sea fish are mostly used for pike fishing. The most common are herrings, sardines, smelts, sprats and mackerel. Among the best freshwater deadbaits are roach, small chub, an eel or lamprey section, small trout and immature pike. The best large sea baits are half a mackerel or a whole sardine. Sardines in particular are superb, but need to be frozen before casting, as they are very soft and otherwise break apart. In fact, most deadbaits are easier to use when partially frozen, for then they can be cast further. For this reason, a good cool box is an essential part of the pike angler's armoury.

When freezing deadbaits, always freeze them straight, wrapping each individually in a freezer bag or clingfilm. It also pays to cut them into sections before freezing if you intend using half baits. Cutting a frozen mackerel in half on a frosty morning on the river bank is no fun.

Among the freshwater baits, eel and lamprey sections are terrific baits. Eel tends to be best where there is a resident eel population, as the pike will gorge on them. Lamprey, however, is an enigma. Very few inland pike waters will have seen these creatures, and yet they really are superb baits. They are one of the few deadbaits that zanders take regularly; they normally show a distinct preference for small livebaits.

When pike fishing with deadbaits, it is vitally important to carry a range of baits. There are plenty of days when, for instance, mackerel tail fails to produce a run, but smelts will take again and again. On one occasion a few years ago, it was impossible to get a run with half mackerel, but using a sardine would score success. After a few sessions, the runs on the sardine might stop, and it would become necessary to revert to big chunks of mackerel to start catching again. Size preference is common, particularly when pike are feeding on fry in late autumn. At this time, large baits are often ignored, and you may need to use to small smelts or sprats.

Adding Flavours to Deadbaits
 

For several years many anglers have been treating deadbaits with various flavours and it can make a significant difference, particularly on big windswept stillwaters where sub-surface currents waft the scent trails far and wide. To flavour pike baits, pack each bait individually in a sealable sandwich bag, having first poured a little of the chosen oil into the bag and thoroughly coated the inside walls. The bait is then frozen and the flavour impregnates the surface of the fish.

Before casting, always give the bait a further application with a paint brush so that, as well as being fully flavoured, it has an oily surface. This produces a characteristic oil slick on the surface as a pike crushes the bait with its teeth. On a calm day, this gives a very exciting early warning of a take. Try flavouring deadbaits with fish oils such as mackerel, smelt or eel. I have even taken pike on spice-and strawberry-flavoured deadbaits. It sounds all wrong, but it works!

Visit fishfinders.com to find out more about fishing techniques and technology.

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Pike Fishing in Toronto

By Taro Murata 

It all started way back with this guy named Cousin George. For those of you who don't know him, he had an urban fishing show in the late 80's and early 90's and was on the local channel Rogers 10.

Cousin George was the people's choice kind of guy and was like an underdog who didn't have all the fancy boats and gear but caught giant fish regardless. Coming from a similar urban background and not having much growing up, Cousin George was hero for us urban youth that loved to fish. I was about 9 or 10 years old when I first saw this guy on TV pulling out a giant pike from the Centre Island Bridge! I was so amazed and couldn't believe my eyes! He had no boat and had drawn crowds around him. The crowds of people were just as amazed as I was. It was this actual episode that put me on my quest for giant urban pike!

I started out from the same spot Cousin George was fishing. The Centre Island Bridge was my starting point and made my way from there. It seemed as if the more water I fished, the more I seemed to find pike. I quickly realized that almost any castable shoreline in Toronto had pike potential!

When looking for pike in Toronto it pays to be very open minded about the different types of areas that pike can be found in. I have caught them in so many different scenarios in Toronto. For example I have caught pike in flat structureless basins along harbourfront, off of rocky piers in 30 feet of water in Humber Bay Park, in canals along the Island, in the Swan Pond on the Island, underneath Captain Johns Seafood restaurant/boat, off of Leslie Street Spit on deep weed lines, on humps in the main harbour, off of docks in almost every marina in Toronto and where ever else you can possibly imagine!

For this article I will focus on spring. The shallower calm areas tend to be better in the spring. The giant pike seek the calm shallow water where the light can penetrate easily. Basins, man made inlets and canals are great places to start this time of year.

The warmth from the sun actually works as a metabolism booster and can wake these giant sleepers. But sometimes these spring pike can be very frustrating. In the past, on many occasions I would be able to see these giants but had difficulty making these fish commit to a bait. I used to pitch spoons and spinnerbaits at them and most of the time the bait would whiz right past these sluggish giants without even an inch of movement. I cast everything at them until finally I tripped over the bait that would wake these sleeping logs and transform them into violent killers. The bait that has produced time and time again in the spring is a 3/8oz. black bucktail jig tipped with a six inch black and blue lizard. The key when working these baits is to let your bait settle to the bottom! Once settled, it is key to reel around three really fast turns of the reel and then stop it dead and after stopping it give a three stiff pops and continue this pattern. The fish can't resist this thing kicking up the mud and disturbing the peace. It drives them nuts! The fish will usually smash it when you kill the bait after the speedy turns of the reel or in between the pops of the rod. This works excellent when sight fishing for them or when just randomly casting. If you can see them, try to angle yourself so that the tail of the fish is closest to you and the head is away from you. Cast past the fish and pop the bait over its head, they really love the bait from this angle for some reason. Another trick that I learned was shown to me by Paul Castellano from castadventures.ca. When you see a fish laying like a log on the bottom, cast a jerkbait with a leader (so that it sinks the bait and doesn't get bit off) and cover it in scent (Bang, Megastrike etc). Then place it in front of one of these fish a few inches from their face and let it sit there for as long as it takes. I didn't believe it when he told me but seeing is believing, the fish all of sudden wakes up and smashes the motionless bait off the bottom, its so amazing!

As for equipment, I like a 6′6″ medium/heavy spinning rod with 10lbs test fluorocarbon and a high speed spinning reel when fishing with the bucktail and lizard. With a spinning reel I can really crank the handle fast which helps make this burn and pause type presentation irresistible. Any 6″black and blue lizard will do and any 3/8oz. black bucktail will do. As for the jerkbait presentation, the same outfit spinning presentation will do fine but if you want to go heavier I suggest a 6′6″ medium/heavy rod with any baitcast reel with 17lb test. The lure that has been really hammering these fish is the Luckycraft 127mr in the American Shad colour. The detailed scale pattern and natural finish make it so deadly when it is sitting still on the bottom. 5″ Rapala Husky Jerks and Smithwick Rogues work too but this Luckycraft has been a special bait when it comes to this presentation.

Try these few things in a 'hood (lol) near you and you may be very surprised what you can pull out of the downtown waters. As for the other three seasons that I forgot to talk about, well that's another story...
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Passion best describes Taro Murata. Introduced to fishing at the age of 3 by his grandmother, Taro's love of fishing remains unchallenged!

Growing up in downtown Toronto, Taro had limited access to rural fishing experiences. Taro then began exploring and fishing every body of water that was accessible in downtown Toronto. He challenged the myth that good fishing was only found in northern locations. Taro's experiment of fishing urban waters quickly proved to be an overwhelming success! This philosophy of fishing urban waters even influenced where he went to university! Talk about passion!! He researched various universities that didn't meet his criteria of being next to a body of water until Taro chose Carlton University in Ottawa. His decision for going there?, "because it's located along the Rideau River and the Rideau Canal!" He quickly proved his theory correct once again. His enthusiasm and passion for fishing quickly spread across campus introducing the sport to a new generation.

After completing university, Taro found himself teaching English in Hong Kong. Surrounded by water, fishing was never far from his mind. It was during this time that Taro began to combine his love of fishing with his natural ability to teach. Taro's passion and energy transformed fishing into an art form! He wanted to spread the word that you could catch fish in urban waters! Taro has taken this philosophy all over the world; from monster Sea Bass in Hong Kong to Stripers in the Bronx!

Taro created Fish City TV to introduce urban fishing to the masses. He wants to share his wealth of knowledge with the hope that they too will be inspired! Like Taro always says, "get fish or die trying!" Taro is also a top ten tournament angler, a full time sport fishing guide, http://www.fishcitytours.com

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Pike-Fishing-in-Toronto&id=3515151] Pike Fishing in Toronto

Taro created Fish City TV to introduce urban fishing to the masses. He wants to share his wealth of knowledge with the hope that they too will be inspired! Like Taro always says, "get fish or die trying!" Taro is also a top ten tournament angler, a full time sport fishing guide, http://www.fishcitytours.com

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Late Season Monster Northern Pike Fishing

By Stephen Long

Feeling the sweet brisk fall breeze being out in the open waters is what every man dreams of. The first cast, the first fish, the first smell of landing that gigantic northern pike. Feeling the line torpedo off like a cannon shooting a cannonball while your hanging on for dear life, as you get the first glimpse of the monster Northern Pike that inhaled your bait. Have you ever felt these extravagant feelings or if you have and you would like to know and understand more, than this is for you.

Location....Location...Location...

You need to find a lake that has and is known for big pike fishing. There is nothing quite like the lakes of Northern and central Manitoba because they are abundant with trophy pike. Once you arrive to the lake, the next question is where do you start? I'm sure you've heard of the rule.... 80% of the fish are caught in 20% of the water, and this rule especially applies here. In late fall the cabbage weeds have established full growth and as fall and winter approach the pike are looking for a large meal that will sustain them for the grueling winters that this portion of the globe has.

When you spot a good cabbage weed bed, work the outer edges of the weeds. Approach the weeds slowly so you don't scare off the large pike. After you have fished the outer weed edges, start working the center and then the backside of the weed bed.

If you are catching the smaller pike, although it's fun, it usually is not a good sign of finding the giant northern pike there. If the smaller ones are around, that means they are in no immediate danger of being eaten by larger fish, therefore the likelihood of a big pike being around is not very good. Giant Northern Pike are very territorial and usually hold in the "prime real estate" of the weeds. Prime cabbage real estate can be defined as transitional edges of the weed beds such as drop offs or rocky terrains adjacent to the weeds, which sometimes can be inside void areas as well.

As the fishing season progresses, the key for catching larger northern pike is to use larger fishing lures. No lure is too large. I have had many twelve inch fishing lures swallowed all the way down. Large buck tails or jerk baits usually have the best result.

One of the most exciting things to see is seeing a giant northern swimming right after your bait, but seeing the bite also can be one of the biggest downfalls. The most common downfall fishermen run into is trying to set the hook before they feel the bite. Ninety percent of the time if you set the hook and you don't feel the bite; you'll not hook the fish. Always feel the fish before you pull.

The best sign of a good cabbage weed bed is when you have set the hook on a monster pike and you see 

numerous weeds getting sawed off with your line. That is when you know that you may have hooked a trophy fish of a lifetime.

Stephen Long is an avid outdoorsman who has a passion for fishing. Check out the latest fishing tips, 

techniques, as well as some of the best fishing trips in North America at Pro Fishing Tips [http://fishing.profishingtips.info/]

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Great Tips To Help You Catch Fish

By Herman Fivee

The ocean offers an irresistible temptation to most people who enjoy the great outdoors. Fishing is a great way to enjoy the water while providing some food for your family, as has been done for centuries. The following includes good tips to get started on fishing so you can come home with some dinner.

When using worms and night crawlers for bait, it's crucial that you thread it on your hook with care. By threading live bait properly on a hook, you have a greater likelihood of getting a fish to take the bait. Also, try using a small hook.

If you are trying to catch perch, consider attaching three or four hooks below your weight or bobber. Perch generally swim in schools making it is very possible that you can catch more than one at a time. You can also implement this technique when fishing for bluegill as well.

Really pay attention and learn the waters where you bass fish. If there's a particular place you fish, educate yourself about the areas in which bass usually swim. Also, determine what times of day bass are more often found here. Bass fishing requires perfect timing.

If you are fishing with artificial bait, mix up the color of your bait every once in awhile. This is especially true when you've been fishing a while without a bite. There are times where fish react positively to brightly colored bait, so use this information to your advantage.

You want to learn how you properly release a fish if you're fishing just for fun and aren't trying to keep it. This is especially important if you are fishing in a catch-and-release area only. Put the fish back in the water as soon as possible. Cut the line at the fishes mouth if the hook has been lodged deeply into the fish, and throw it back in the water.

You may find smallmouth bass and walleye to be picky about the bait being used. You may even want to keep leeches handy. They will stay alive through the night in a Styrofoam container if you add a little water in the bottom.

Respect whatever animal you are hunting, be it in a forest or water. Keep in mind that nature belongs to animals and humans alike. Try your best to make sure you do not destroy nature.

Using a fish finder while on a boat can be a great asset when looking for fish in deeper water. Fish finders make use of sonar technology to detect fish in the water. However, some fishermen prefer to not use a fish finder. Many fishermen pride themselves on their skill and persistence as opposed to using equipment.

Be aware that some fish have sharp backward facing teeth. The two species are known for their sharp teeth, and they won't hesitate to bite you. Once you have determined that the fish is no longer alive, take the hook out after grabbing its middle section. When you wish to let the fish go, only take the hook out if you are wearing gloves.

Boat fishing allows you to access superb fishing locations, but it also presents dangers that you must be aware of. Be wary of necessary safety precautions. You should always wear a life vest, oars should be on the boat, and look out for any dangerous weather approaching.

It's hoped that you've found these tips useful and will use them for many fishing trips to come. Whether you fish as a sport or to relax, it becomes a really rewarding experience to you. The next time you go out fishing, keep these tips and tricks in mind to increase your chances of catching something and having fun while you do it.

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The Lure Of Fishing - Use These Tips To Assure A Great Catch

By Checkes Rufus

One of the most loved outdoor activities that you can enjoy nearly anywhere is fishing. There's nothing better than spending a warm summer day at the lake catching some fish. If you are looking to improve your fishing ability or you want to learn new fishing techniques, then the following article is just what you need. Learn these tips well and all your buddies will go to you for fishing advice.

To be a successful fisherman, it is important to understand that different fish are attracted to different kinds of bait. For example, catfish are drawn towards raw chicken liver, while bream prefer insects, like crickets. If you're fishing with bait or a lure which the fish has no interest in, you'll walk away frustrated and empty-handed.

Prior to setting out on any fishing venture, be sure and read up on the type of fish you are intent on catching. You will have a better chance of catching the fish if you understand their behavior. Fish can be wily even though they are not very smart. Do research before your fishing adventure, and you will have much better chances.

When using shad for bottom fishing, be sure to cut the bait's tail before baiting your hook. Bait that spins on its way to the bottom is not only unnatural and has the potential of scaring off the fish, but it can also tangle your line. In addition to this, fish will also be attracted to the bait due to the scent it emits from its cut tail.

Remember to match the size of your bait to the size of the fish you are trying to catch. It is quite simple, big fish like large bait, small fish prefer small bait. If muskie or pike are on your radar, consider using bluegill or crappie as bait.

Before choosing your fishing location, take care to check the weather predictions for the entire day. Getting into the water during a thunderstorm can ruin your trip. Know what the weather is going to be before going on your fishing venture.

When you first start fishing, do not choose the most expensive equipment. This equipment is not necessary and will not help the novice fisherman have a better time or increase the quantity of your catch. Choose equipment that is within your budget and you'll feel more relaxed while using it.

Fishing at night requires different techniques than fishing during the day. There are many rewards to night fishing. Use heavy tackle when trying to catch small-mouthed bass, so you can have a good feel for the location of the lure in the water. Effective night fishing lures are plastic worms, hair jigs, and pork rinds. To avoid tangling your line, use single lures.

When you fish in a river or lake, casting near shore leads to optimal results. You can expect to get bites in that area because the insects, which are the fishes' food source, are located there. Be aware of the weeds, however!

The weather can greatly impact the fun and productivity of a fishing trip. Keep an eye on the weather forecast prior to going fishing. Check several days or a week ahead of time, and then check again the night before. You shouldn't hesitate to reschedule a fishing excursion if the weather doesn't permit it.

Nets and gaffs can be useful for catching larger fish. The gaff allows you to secure the fish and lift it from the water with ease. The use of a net may be a superior option since there is a lesser likelihood that you will wound the fish severely. If the fish is badly wounded, you will not be able to safely return it and it may also be more difficult to prepare it for consumption.

No matter how experienced a fisherman you are, it is always important to fish with optimism and confidence. It is hard to enjoy a fishing expedition with a sour mood, especially with all of the potential frustrations that lie in wait for fishermen. Don't get down on yourself, if you haven't gotten a bite in awhile.

The best time to take a breather while out fishing is at noontime. Fish are highly cautious during this period of time, and thus more unlikely to go for your bait, given the sun's high angle. Take a relaxing lunch, then get back to it when the sunlight isn't as bright.

The goal of fishing is to actually catch fish. Becoming more knowledgeable about fishing will enable you to become more proficient at it, and this article has provided much great advice to help you accomplish this. You will find your next fishing adventure to be a successful one.

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Top Tips for Spring Pike Fishing

By Jane Mun

Spring pike fishing is coveted by anglers hoping to catch monster sized Northern Pikes. During spring, Pike migrates from the icy deep waters they spend the winter months in, to the warmer shallow spawning areas. The spring season is divided into three periods for Pike anglers: pre-spawn, spawn and post-spawn. The start of spring varies, depending on the exact geographic location you plan to fish in. For most of the United States, it is April. Due to year-round fishing seasons for Northern Pike in most parts of Canada, the effective spring fishing season starts as soon as the ice melts and breaks away, allowing Pike to make their journey to the spawning waters.

The best spring period for catching monster Northern Pike, is pre-spawn. This is when female pike is fat and well-fed. They are also lazy and slow-moving during this time, giving you ample time to plan your next moves while luring them in. Male pike during pre-spawn are well-muscled, but undersized.

To catch really big pike, choose a lake that still has some ice cover during pre-spawn. Bigger lakes are better, because they will be home to more fish and the fish will be larger. During this period, Northern Pike will be lurking in shallow water, among the reeds and natural bay areas in lakes. The areas of the lake that contain more pikes are the inlets and tributaries. The higher the water current flow, the more food there is for the Pike to prey on.

Whatever lures and bait you use, the most important thing is that you move slowly in the water. Avoid lures that vibrate easily or sink too fast. The erratic movements will scare off any Pike in the vicinity. The best lures to use during pre-spawn are plugs and spoons. Spoons will have to be light-weight so that they sink slowly. The Northern Pike will be swimming in shallow water, so that they can be warmed by the sun. Trolling for Pike during this period will not work and will simply chase them away into deeper water.

Generally, the spawn period for spring Pike fishing does not yield good catches at all. The female Northern Pike will not bite. Males will bite, provided they are actually swimming around waiting for a female. Even then, the bites are scarce and there is a long waiting time between bites. It is better to wait until post-spawn to get better Pike catches. Spawning is usually completed in late April in the United States and as late as May and June in Canada. This is due to the slower start to spring further north.

Spring Pike fishing during the post-spawn period, involves trolling in water that is between 4 and 8 feet deep. This is because the pike moves away from the shallow spawning grounds to deeper water to feed.

Females will be very slow moving and only go for easy prey. The males are more active, but will also be moving slowly. They will react better to slow moving lures or live bait. It is seen as good practice to let females goes during this period, in order to replenish the Northern Pike stock for the next season.

The author is writing articles in a full time basis. He also freelance in writing other articles such as occupational therapist salary and occupational therapist careers

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How To Get Started With Salt Water Fishing

By Herman Fivee

Anyone, of any age, can enjoy an outdoor adventure of fishing. To become skilled at fishing takes a certain amount of knowledge. The following tips will help you quickly get up to speed so you can be a better fisherman.

If you are worried about the smell of the waste from cleaning your catch, you can always bury the unneeded fish parts in the ground. However, if there are animals around such as cats or dogs who may dig them up, it's best to find another solution.

Use bobbers so you don't lose your fillet knife. It will happen one time or another. The more times you go fishing, the more chances you have to drop your knife overboard. With a little bit of work, you can rig your fillet knife to float in the water. This will ensure it never gets lost. To make this rig, tie one end of a piece of rawhide lace to a cork, then thread the other end of it through the hole of the knife handle.

Check the weather preceding your fishing trip! There will be days where the weather just doesn't permit for good fishing. An overcast sky offers the best fishing conditions of all. Fish will venture out into different areas of the water more often when the bright sun isn't penetrating the water.

Always do as much research as you can before embarking on a fishing trip. Fishing is a more complex sport than it first appears. You must understand the tendencies of the fish, what fish could be seen in certain bodies of water, as well as the things that you could do in making your fishing a lot more effective. You can find plenty of good advice online or in a variety of books.

If you are a fishing novice, or you are going to try to catch a fish you are not used to, make sure you bring an experienced person with you. An experienced fisherman can give you great tips and also keep you safe by showing you how to avoid dangerous situations.

When looking for good ponds or lakes for fishing, try to ask individuals who do a lot of driving through the area that you're interested in. Some good people to ask are game wardens, bus drivers, postal workers and others who are very familiar with the lay of the land. Never go fishing without appropriate permits, and always get permission from anyone who owns a particular body of water.

It is a good idea to bring some additional water and food when you go on a fishing trip. It is good to be prepared should you get bad weather, or if you should have equipment failure. Even if you never use it, it is a great safety precaution to have it with you and will help you be patient if the fish are inactive.

Don't freak out if you catch a large fish. The fish may fight, but attempting to reel it in can break the rod. Instead, let your line out and allow the fish to expend it's energy. When it is tired, you can reel it in gently.

Wet your hands before touching a fish. Fish have a slime coating that protects them, so make sure dry hands don't wipe off this slime. This not only protects the fish that you may want to release, but it will keep your fish alive after you catch for better meat.

Always try to avoid windy days if you are fly fishing. If there is too much wind then casting will become lest accurate. The best time you should try fly fishing is when it's early morning or evening when there is not as much wind. If you are fishing with wind, cast in the direction of the wind.

In order to prevent the loss of bait, be sure it is hooked properly. If the bait you are using is live, this is especially important. One of the best and most often used techniques is to thread the hook through the worm lengthwise. That way, you will not run the risk of having your worm fall from the hook.

It is important to be able to use a range of lures whenever you are out fishing. You can easily begin to overindulge your love of a certain lure, but often, conditions are not right for that lure. To have a better chance of catching fish, be sure to learn about all the different varieties of lures that are available.

Education about the sport of fishing will help everyone get more enjoyment from this rewarding hobby. Using this advice, you can become a fishing pro quickly and catch much more fish on your next trip.

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Become Familiar With Pike Fishing

By Menaaz Memon

Pike fish is usually found in the Arctic fresh water and appears large and huge in size. Being found commonly in lakes and rivers, they feeds on anything which floats such as walleyes, chub, suckers and even the other pikes. When it comes to pike fishing, the use of bait and lures will not be strong enough, since a small pike could be sporty and active to tackle. Pike is one among the easy to catch fish as it is usually found close to its prey.

Tips:

Never mind if you are a professional pike fisher or a beginner, the following tips will help you to enjoy long time pike fishing for your ultimate fish:

- Ensure to get a high or medium action rod, since this is the primary mistake a novice angler will do. As said already, these are strong fighters where a heavy rod will also result with lot of bends during the pull. It is always wise to choose hard and grueling rods to hunt your ideal fish.

- The use of firm and active lures to captivate the attention of them. Fishing is an art, whereby you should grab the interest of them by giving an appealing food. Be alert with the lure and personify in an attack mode.

- During pike fishing, be ready to give a hard and intense hit. Since they are strong contenders, the fisher must be alert to give a strong hit. A minor distraction will result jerk the rod and let them flee from your hand. Rather becoming a red-faced fisher by losing the rod to them, it is good to be vigilant and watchful to give a massive strong hit.

- Try fish scent, it works! Many anglers affirm this, whereas others don't. Trying fish scents on the lure will bring them close to you, since the lure will smell like its prey. Pike fishing pros absolutely rely on this tactic, since they have witnessed some results before.

- Be ready with a 12 pound test line. Even 10 pounds and 8 pounds test line can do well, but they'll dearly suit for small pikes. But the use of 12 pound line will be a blasting complexion to snipe the huge strong pikes. The lighter the line is, the sooner it will snap.

When It Is The Best Time

Winter is the best time for this since the pike longs and seeks for food due to scarcity. Spinning is one of the most prudent tactics which you can follow to catch pikes of all size - no matter if it is a small or larger one. If you have tried pike fishing before, you must have definitely noticed that the large ones come across during the time of winter. Winter is typically hard to survive and hence they come out in search of food. Big pike fish comes out to the shallow region to eat small fish. Try dead bait, as it works in catching pikes in all season and weather. If you are crazy in fishing big and huge pikes, then winter is the best and right choice.

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Pike Fishing Tackle Advice

By Andrew Norton

Pike fishing represents a supreme challenge for anglers of all abilities, from the novice to the experienced fisherman. You need to be well equipped - a good selection of pike fishing tackle is an absolute must because these fish are capable of growing up to 25 kilograms. Make sure that your pike fishing tackle is up to the job.

Whereas most fish typically run down their prey in open water, relying on their size and speed to gain an advantage, the northern pike lies in wait for an ambush, usually in heavy cover like weeds or deadwood.

Pike are voracious fighters when hooked and can easily break your line, your rod, and possibly even your reel. Here are some things to look for when you're shopping for pike fishing tackle.

Rod: You'll want a rod that's at least 6 feet long with a medium-heavy or heavy action. This will give you the leverage to get a pike out of the water without bending your rod to the breaking point. A flexible (or "fast") tip is also recommended if you plan on doing any jigging.

Reel: Likewise, you'll want a reel that's capable of pulling one of these monsters in. Make sure the flange which connects the reel to the rod is made of metal, and not plastic or resin, as this piece can break under strain. A baitcasting reel is preferable to a spinning reel.

Line: Whether fishing from boat or shore, you're going to be fishing in heavy cover. Underwater vegetation and deadwood is a pike's favorite place to hide, and you're going to need a line capable of pulling it out of that hiding place without suffering too much damage. A "superbraid" line works well, these lines are tough with a minimal amount of stretch. It is also recommended that you utilize a 25-30cm steel leader. This will not only help with fishing in deep cover, but will ensure that the pike does not bite through the line itself with it's teeth.

Miscellaneous: Pike are big fish, so you'll need a large net in order to help land them. You'll want to invest in a good pair of fishing gloves as well, some that will provide you a good amount of grip while keeping your hands warm even while wet. Hook removers are also recommended, as pike have teeth and can bite fairly hard.

There are a few more things to remember if you are a beginner at pike fishing.

• Always buy the best pike fishing tackle that you can afford. Skimping on a good rod or reel could be the difference between a landed fish and a broken rod.
• Start with live bait. The first thing you're going to want to learn as a pike angler is where to find them. Live bait will help take the guesswork out of this, letting you focus on your technique later.
• Join a pike angling club, or at the very least find an experienced angling partner. A little wisdom from someone who shares your interest will go a long way.
• Be patient. Pike are very picky about what they will and will not hit. If at first you don't succeed, try again. If you still don't succeed, try something else.
• Stick with it! While you are bound to experience some frustration as a beginner, once you hook your first pike, you'll want to come back again and again. These fish strike harder and fight tougher than most coarse fish you'll land, making the experience especially rewarding and addicting.

Andrew Norton likes to write about the great outdoors.

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Northern Pike Fishing in Alaska

By Jane Mun

While Canada is renowned for its secluded fishing spots and giant trophy Northern Pike, Alaska is a great destination for Pike fishing. Northern Pike has their natural habitat north and west of the Alaska Range. In recent years, Pike had been illegally introduced into the lakes and rivers in the South-central region. This has resulted in a year-round Pike fishing season, as ordered by the Alaskan Department of Fish and Game. Around these parts, no Pike hunting technique is frowned upon by the authorities. There is no limit to the number and size of the Pike you manage to catch.

Further north, Pike fishing becomes the usual sportsmanlike activity that is enjoyed by so many anglers in North America. Despite a number of factors against the Pike becoming a sought-after catch, there is a lot of interest in the species from new anglers from the rest of the United States and renewed interest from local Alaskan residents. The large size of Alaskan and Canadian Northern Pike is due to the large fish species they prey on, such as Salmon, Trout and Walleyes. In Alaska, as in other northern hemisphere countries, the Pike are renowned for being ferocious eaters and hunters. They have been documented to eat all sorts of water fowl, amphibians and have even attacked small animals that hunt close to the water's edge.

In Alaska, after spawning, the Northern Pike will hide away in deep water channels in rivers or lakes, near to their spawning beds. They use this dormant period to gain strength before feeding and getting their weight up again. In the spring, before spawn, the males will be fairly lean, but well muscled and slow moving. In Alaska, the best time for fishing for Pike is 7 to 10 days before spawn and straight after. This gives you the opportunity to intercept the Pike on their migratory journey, while they are still fairly clustered together.

Large Alaskan lakes have very little organized structure in terms of the topographical outlay of the lake beds. This is somewhat confusing for the Pike to navigate to hunt and forage for food. For this reason, using dead bait is very effective. The Pike is forced to use their keen sense of smell underwater to trace the location of their food. By using the strong smell of dead bait, they will actively seek out an easy meal that does not require long distance tracking.

Weather conditions play a big part in catching Pike in Alaska. The windier it is, the more confused the Pike will be, due to the constant surface interference to its vision and hearing. This lack of sensory input will force a Pike to feed without fear or reservation, making any kind of bait or lure effective during rough, windy conditions.

Northern Pike fishing that yields big catches in Alaska is possible at a number of locations: the Chatanika River's sloughs and tributaries, near Beaver Springs on the Tanana River, lower Beaver Creek, Lower Dall Creek and Lower Chena. The Minto Flats also provide good Pike fishing spots and can be accessed by air, or inland roads.
 

The author is writing article in a full time basis. He also freelance in writing other articles such as occupational therapist salary and occupational therapist careers

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Do's And Don'ts Whenever You Fish Alone

By Jackrufusso Can

Coming up empty handed when fishing with kids isn't fun. The great memories of the day spent fishing can be even better if the day ends with a big fish dinner. You will get the tips that will make a difference by reading on.

When fishing perch, try to attach four hooks underneath you bobber or weight. These fish swim together in a school, allowing you to catch a few at a time. Also try this technique on other schooling fish, including bluegills.

Look for a rod and reel set that most closely matches the specific kind of fishing you will be doing. There are many different types of equipment for different species of fish, for example, if you want to fish for walleye, you'll need a spinner rig or a jig & minnow combination.

Net your fish carefully. If it is necessary to net a fish, be certain the net encircles the head first. As the fish attempts to swim away as this happens, it pushes itself into your net further, helping you secure the fish and bring it out from the water.

If you want to return the fish that you caught to the water, and are worried about having a souvenir to take with you to show people the prize you caught you should take a camera. This way you can spare the life of a fish you are not interested in consuming and have your memento of it as well.

When it comes to fishing, few things will ruin your chances for success like a dull hook. No matter how great your fishing skills are, a dull hook is a sure way to lose fish. Sharpen hooks as you progress, or bring extra hooks that you can switch out periodically. If a fisherman wants to catch lots of fish, he or she needs a sharp hook.

If your minnows are dead, don't just throw them away. You can still get some use out of that dead bait. To attract fish using dead minnows cut the minnow in half prior to baiting your line.

Weather is a factor that should be considered when planning a fishing trip. Some people feel that overcast skies are best for fishing, but it really depends on the area in which you are fishing as well as the type of fish you are after. Track down the weather each time you fish in specific areas and see if you notice a pattern. You can then make strategic decisions about where it is best to fish according to what the day's weather looks like.

No bait is perfect and works with every fish all the time. To get prime results, know how and when you should use the right bait. As an example, use a jig in murky waters where their motion reflects light and grabs the attention of fish swimming by. Yet, plastic worms are much better used in clearer water, this is because they are easy to see so the fish will just come and get them.

When you go fishing take into consideration the season and the weather, and study a map of the lake you will be fishing in. Even if you are hitting up a favorite fishing spot, it can pay off to investigate the area a bit when you arrive. If you do, you might find a fishing spot that you missed before. You can find different websites that can actually help you with forecasts, water levels and wind conditions.

If you are fishing for several different kinds of fish, then change your bait frequently. If you fish with the same bait the entire fishing trip, you may not catch as many fish because not all fish are lured with the same bait.

There are specific casting techniques you can learn to reduce the amount of noise the lure makes as it enters the water. Fish are afraid of noise, so a noisy cast will work at cross purposes with a good day's fishing. Use the wrist while casting for a more silent cast.

When you are after a particular kind of fish, learn its ideal temperature. Some fish prefer living in particular temperatures. If you are fishing for particular varieties, you should be mindful of this. Schedule your fishing trip around a day that has proper weather. This will make for more successful and enjoyable fishing.

If you catch a large fish, your children will be impressed with you, and you'll be able to make them an amazing dinner too. This is something that will be in your minds forever, and since you are a great fisherman you may even be able to recreate the memory.

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