Sunday, December 5, 2010

Fishing Tip: What does a Largemouth Bass look like?

Bass fishing is considered the number one sport in the world and the largemouth bass is one of the most popular sought after today. This is partly due to the aggressive nature of this species which makes reeling them in a thrill. Depending on the location the largemouth bass will normally begin spawning season around the middle of April and it will last until about the middle of June. During this time, they will be very aggressive and more plentiful. This makes them easier to find than at other times.

Bass fishing is enjoyed by men and women of all ages. This species is so popular that there are many bass clubs scattered all across the nation. They provide a place for anglers with a common interest to gather together and compete with each other or just to share a few stories. There are also numerous bass tournaments you can take part in that offer many excellent prizes for the winners. The largemouth bass is a unique fish with some pretty amazing features that gets it lots of attention. So, what does a largemouth bass look like? You'll find a description of this species below.

Largemouth Bass Description

The largemouth bass is a unique fish in many ways. When it comes to color, this fish is an olive green color that is marked up by a series of dark colored or black blotches. These form a jagged horizontal stripe running across the middle of each flank. Their belly will be a light green that almost looks white. They are the largest fish in the black bass family and some of them have been known to weight just over twenty-five pounds. However, the average weight for this species is about ten pounds. The average lifespan for the largemouth bass is sixteen years.

One of the amazing features of the largemouth bass is the upper jaw that extends out past the rear margin of the eyes. This allows them to open their mouths much further than most species of fish. In fact, they can stretch their mouth open so far that they can eat food that is half their own size and their stomach will stretch and hold what they eat. They have two fin sections that are joined together by a narrow membrane with no scales. In fact, the largemouth bass only has about ten rows of scales across their body. The anterior portion of the dorsal fin has nine spines and the posterior portion has twelve to thirteen soft rays.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best bass fishing information possible. Go to http://www.askbassfishing.com/editorials/what-does-a-largemouth-bass-look-like.html for more information on bass fishing.

Fishing Tackle Tip: Three Plastic Bass Baits and When to use Them

The bass is by far one of the most popular species of fish sought after today. They are fished by the weekend angler just looking for a good time and by the professional that takes part in tournaments to compete for cash and prizes.

Bass fishing is a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. It's a good way to enjoy free time with friends or family and there is nothing more thrilling than reeling in a bass. The fight they put up will keep you talking for a long time.

Whatever reason you go bass fishing one thing will always be the same, you need to know which baits to use for the best results. When it comes to lures, there are more bass lures available than any other type of lure sold on the market today. In fact, there are so many of them available that it can be very hard to decide which ones to choose. It's always a good idea to experiment and try different things until you find which ones work the best for you. Still, you need a few good baits to get your collection underway and plastic baits is a great place to start.

Technology has greatly improved the lures over the years and now there are many designs available that look so much like the real thing that it's hard to tell they're fake just by looking at them. They look and feel just like the real thing and the plastic baits are among the top of the list when it comes to this type of technology. There are many options to choose from but you'll find three of the best choices listed below along with a brief description of when to use them for the best results.

Three plastic baits and when to use them:

1. Soft Plastic Worms - The soft plastic worms look so realistic that when you reel them through the water they look just like a real live worm. Some of them will be scented and others are plain so you can choose the ones you like using the best. The plastic worm can be rigged different ways so it can be fished in any type of water and in any condition. It's one of the best bass baits available today and it does get results.
2. Plastic Plugs - There are a variety of different plugs available that you can choose from and they are an excellent choice when fishing for bass in clear water. Some of them resemble an injured minnow which really attracts the bass.
3. Plastic Minnow Baits - The plastic minnow is another popular bait because the minnow is one of the favorite foods of the bass. There are many different colors and sizes to choose from making it possible to find a plastic minnow that will get results in any type of fishing situation regardless of where or when you're fishing.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best bass fishing information possible. Go to http://www.askbassfishing.com/editorials/three-plastic-bass-baits-and-when-touse-them.html for more information on bass fishing.

Fishing Tackle Tip: Best Fishing Rigs for Saltwater

Saltwater fishing is full of surprises and lots of fun. It's something that you can do when you're out with your buddies or when you're spending the day with your family. It's a sport that you can spend a lot of money on or just a little depending on what your budget will allow and still have a great time. This makes it a sport that anyone can enjoy from the very young to the elderly.

All anglers should have a few fishing rigs tucked away in their tackle box somewhere. These are simple to setup and easy to use. There are different types of rigs that can be used for different types of fish. For this reason, it's recommended that you have some idea of which species you want to fish. This way, you can make sure you have the best rig for the job with you when you go fishing.

The different rigs are also designed to be used for different fishing techniques so you'll need to make sure you have the right one for the method that you plan to use. In other words, if you're trolling use the saltwater fishing rig designed for trolling and so forth. Using the wrong rig for the job can hinder your fishing instead of increasing the number of bites you get.

A few of the saltwater rigs available for you to choose from include the Ledger Rigs, Ballyhoo Rig, Floating Bead Traces, Kingfish Rig, Snapper Rig and the Two Hook Pilchard rig. You'll find that some fishing rigs are more complicated than others to use but they all seem to get excellent results. Three of the easiest rigs to use that work great are discussed below.

The three best fishing rigs for saltwater fishing and how to set them up:

1. The Circle Hook Rig - This is a very simple saltwater rig that requires you to attach a circle hook, an egg sinker and a swivel onto a 12 pound test line. Place the egg sinker between the swivel and the hook leaving enough space between them for the egg sinker to move up and down on the line freely. You can also add some beads to the setup and this will attract the fish even more.

2. The Dropper Rig - This rig lets you fish with two different baits at the same time and that doubles your odds of getting a bite. Attach a lightweight buoyant fly to the leader line. Next, tie a weighted dropper line through the eye or hook of the bend where the clinch knot is located. Choose the length of the dropper line and the fly used based on the type of species you're seeking out.

3. The Sliding Sinker Rig - This rig requires you to tie an egg sinker, swivel and bend hook to the leader line. The weight of the egg sinker will depend on how strong the tides are when you go fishing. Use heavier sinkers when the waves are rough.
After you setup your rig or choose the pre-made one that you want to use all you have to do is attach it to the end of the leader line. This is when you'll need to add the weight and bobber if you want to use them and bait your hook. Now you're ready to enjoy some great fishing.

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

Fishing Tackle Tip: Five Lures for Bass Fishing

When you're ready to get out on the water, relax and do some bass fishing you need a good collection of lures to entice this species to strike. Bass fishing is for everyone young, old, male or female. It's fun, exciting and a great way to spend your free time. It doesn't matter if your fishing for the first time or a professional angler you can enjoy seeking out this species.

The biggest question that most beginners have is what type of lures should you use when bass fishing. This is partly because there are so many bass lures sold today that it can be difficult trying to figure out which ones would be the best. They are designed in all different shapes, colors and styles that most people don't have a clue where to start.

Just take a look at some of your options out there today and you'll see why it's so easy for someone new to get confused but there is a way to simplify things a little.

If you're starting a new collection or adding to an old one there are a few lures that no tackle box should be without. These are the ones that can be used anywhere and in just about any condition and they're the best ones to begin with when starting up a collection of bass lures.

Five lures for bass fishing that no tackle box should be without:

1. Crankbaits - These resemble crawfish and different types of baitfish that are the natural food source of the bass and there are three different types. One type of crankbait is designed to float on the top of the water, one will sink to about twenty feet deep and the last type was made to be used in water about five feet deep. Crankbaits are easy enough to use that even children can use them effectively.

2. Spinnerbaits - There are many different spinnerbaits available that range in a variety of colors, shapes and textures. These are an excellent choice when you're trying to cover large areas and they closely resemble the baitfish that bass feed on naturally. These work great when you're fishing for the largemouth bass because you can get into the weeds and other areas where they like to hide out to ambush their prey.

3. Bucktail Jigs - These are some of the most basic lures you'll find and they work great at attracting the bass and getting them to strike. Some come with straight tails and some have curly tails. Between the two, they can be used in most any fishing situation you find yourself in and they really work.

4. Jig and Pigs - These are the lures that many professional use when fishing in tournaments. When used correctly they mimic the action of a crawfish going across the bottom of the water and no bass is going to turn away that tasty meal.

5. Plastic Worms - When you're searching for a lure that works great in all situations you won't find one any better than the plastic worm. They can be fished with or without weight and in any water depth.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best bass fishing information possible. Go to http://www.askbassf ishing.com/editorials/five-lures-for-bass-fishing.html for more information on bass fishing.

Fishing Tackle Tip: Striper Fishing Lures

Striper fishing is a great sport that men, women and children of all skill levels enjoy. The striper is a school fish with seven or eight thin stripes running from the base of the tail all the way to the back of the head. They have a white belly and an olive-green or silvery back. They can also be distinguished by the two sharp points on the gill cover and two distinct tooth patches on the back portion of the tongue.

The average size striper is around thirty pounds but they can grow much larger and reach over one hundred pounds. Their size and the struggle they put up is part of the reason why they are such a popular game fish. The mild flaky meat is another reason anglers seek them out because they make a great tasting meal.

You don't have to be a professional to reel in stripers but you do need to have the right gear. After choosing your rod, reel and fishing line you'll need to decide which lures to use. This is an important decision because the lure is what gets the attention of the fish. The right lures will entice the striper to bite. Your goal is to find the lures that get their attention and some designs do better than others.

Striper Fishing Lures
The fishing lures you use can make the difference between reeling in a nice mess of stripers and just catching one occasionally. There are many different lures to choose from but some of your best options are listed below.

5 striper fishing lures that work great:

1. Soft Plastic Lures - These come in a wide variety of styles making it easy to find something similar to the natural food source of the striper. These lures are designed to look so much like the real thing that when presented correctly, they are very realistic.

2. Plugs - The medium to deep driving plugs is an excellent choice when the stripers are moving out to deeper waters.

3. Poppers - These are an excellent lure to use when the stripers are in the shallows. Using short jerks will make these lures pop up and down along the surface and this gets the attention of the stripers.

4. Balance Lures by Kastmaster - These have a unique aerodynamic design that gets the attention of the striper very quickly. The materials used to make these lures won't break, bend or even corrode so they hold up great under most all conditions.

5. Crankbaits - When the stripers are moving out to deeper waters, crankbaits designed for medium to deep fishing is a great option.

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

Flounder Fishing Tips

The flounder is a unique fish with some odd features. The average size for this flatfish is about fifteen inches but they have been caught measuring in at around three feet. They are a predator fish that can be found about twenty-five to thirty miles offshore where they lie in wait to ambush their prey. They prefer being in waters with sandy bottoms but they can survive in waters with rocky bottoms and around reefs.

One of the most extraordinary features of the flounder is their eyes. They have an eye on each side of their head when they are young but this will change as they mature. The flounder lie quietly on the bottom of the ocean and wait for food to come by. As they mature metamorphosis occurs in which one of their eyes (the one on bottom) will actually migrate to the opposite side of the head. As a result, they have two eyes on one side and none on the other.

This is a species that is sought out for the sport of fishing and for their great taste. They can be a little harder to catch than many of the other species so expect a challenge when you go after these fish. Of course, this is one of the reasons why they are so popular with many anglers. The following information can help to increase the amount of success you have when fishing for this species.

flounder fishing tips:

1. Normally live bait will get the best results when fishing for flounder. The best choices include minnows, worms, shrimp, squid, clams and mullet. The bait should be fresh for the best results. You can use artificial baits when fishing for this species but you do need to choose carefully and present them correctly. The soft plastic lures have proven do very well when fishing for flounder. They are also attracted to lures that are shiny or red, pink and white colors.

2. Since the flounder lies on the bottom of the ocean floor you need to choose a fishing technique that allows you to get the bait down on the bottom where they are located. Bottom fishing will usually yield good results because it allows you to move the bait along the bottom in a very enticing way. Fishing rigs generally work very well and so does drift fishing.

3. When fishing for flounder the size of the bait you use is just as important as what you use. It can't be too small or too large. Small bait won't stay on the hook and large bait won't fit in the mouth of the flounder. Therefore, you need something in-between and you may need to experiment a little before finding the right size.

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

Monday, September 6, 2010

What You Need to Know About Custom Crappie Jigs

When fishing for crappies, most anglers will recommend jigs. This is because this species will respond to jigs very well. For one thing, they're colorful, which gets the attention of the crappie. They come in small sizes and they are easy to use plus, the crappie just seems to be highly attracted to jigs. There are many different types of jigs to choose from so you can find most anything you're looking for but you can also have custom crappie jigs made especially for you.

Buying custom jigs allows you to create your own designs. You can pick the colors that you want to use, the style, and even the weight. You can also choose between a thin, thick, long or short tail for the jig. This gives you the opportunity to have the perfect jig that can make all of your fishing trips fun and exciting. If you choose to go this route there are a few things that you need to know about custom crappie jigs.

Quality

Whenever you buy any fishing gear it needs to be good quality products if you want it to last for any length of time. You don't have to spend a lot of money on these items in order for them to be of good quality, you just have to pay attention to detail. The same is true when you are searching for custom crappie jigs. You will most likely pay a little more for these so it's important for you make sure they're worth the money you spend.

Therefore, you need take your time and look for good quality jigs that will last. Look at the craftsmanship of the jigs to see if they are well-made and tough or just stuck together and very fragile. It's not doing you any good to spend the extra time and money on custom made jigs that will begin unraveling after the first few times you use them. So, make sure the person you're buying from is a reputable dealer that has been in business for awhile.

If you plan to make your own custom crappie jigs, then use quality materials and take your time. If you get in a hurry and put the jigs together fast they may not hold up for very long. This is something that you plan to use for awhile so it's a good idea to spend a few extra minutes getting it right the first time and then you can enjoy it for a lot longer.

Know Your Jigs

There are different types of jigs and it's a good idea to know a little something about all of them. The oldest and most used jigs are the Marabou jigs. These are the ones that have real feathers or bucktail. It's a very simple jig with a ball-head that is colored with matching feathers. It can be used any time of the year and anywhere.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best crappie fishing information possible. Go to http://www.askcrapp iefishing. com/editorials/ what-you- need-to-know- about-custom- crappie-jigs_ .html for more information on crappie fishing.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Fishing Facts: Striped Bass Habitat

The striped bass is a fun and exciting species that will definitely give you a run for your money, as the saying goes. In other words, they will put up an amazing fight from the time they're first hooked until the very end. This is one of the reasons why so many anglers fish for the striped bass. You couldn't ask for more excitement from a fishing trip than what you'll get when you hook one of these species.

The striped bass has a silver or olive-green color back and they have a white belly. They are classified as being a "true bass" and they can be distinguished by the seven or eight stripes that run horizontally across both sides of the body. The spiny fin is separated by a soft-rayed portion and it's believed this species can live up to about thirty years. Striped bass have been caught weighing in over hundred pounds and they grow very quickly.

A young striped bass will look similar to a white bass but you can tell the difference by looking for two distinct tooth patches on the backside of the tongue and the two sharp points on each of the gill covers. If it has these two distinctive markings, then it's a striped bass.

The Habitat of the Striped Bass

The striped bass is actually a native to the majority of the waters located on the east coast and parts of the Gulf of Mexico. They can live in both saltwater and freshwater provided the condition of the water is suitable for them to grow and thrive. They prefer to live in large bodies of water that are clear and very deep. However, in order for this species to survive the water must be cool enough and the amount of oxygen in the water needs to be high.

The only way they could live in waters that are completely surrounded by land would be if the temperature of the water and oxygen level in these waters remain favorable all year long. If they get too hot, cold or if the oxygen levels drop too low, they will not survive since they won't be able to move to a more favorable area like they would do in open waters.

The preferred temperature for this species is between sixty-five and seventy degrees. The young bass are usually found in estuaries and river systems where the spawning normally takes place. When the bass mature they can be found around rip tide, bays, inshore bars and reefs. They don't usually travel more than about five miles from the coastline.

The striped bass prefer the clear water so you won't have much luck finding them if you're fishing in dark or murky waters. They can also see well in these clear waters so you have to be careful not to spook them when you're approaching their location.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best bass fishing information possible. Go to http://www.askbassf ishing.com/ editorials/ striped-bass- habitat.html for more information on bass fishing.

Tackle Tip: How to Pick the Right Minnow Net


Are you searching for the right minnow net to help make your fishing trips more productive? Minnows are one of the most popular baits around. They are used to fish numerous species of fish and they're easy to come by. You can buy minnows from your local bait shop but you can also catch your own. Since using bait that is caught in the same location in which you're fishing works the best, many anglers choose to catch their own.

Of course, if you want to make this an easy process, then you need to know how to pick the right minnow net for your needs. The minnow net has gone through a lot of changes throughout the years. They come in all sizes and there are several different types sold today. So how do you know which one is for you?

Before you can choose the right minnow net, you need to know a little about them.

How to Choose a Minnow Net

Choosing the right minnow net really isn't that hard to do. There are a variety of different sizes available so this would be one of the first things you would consider. How big of a net do you need? This will partly depend on how much fishing you plan to do. If you only go out for a few hours at a time or only get to fish once in awhile, then a small to medium one should do the trick. You don't need to catch a lot of minnows at one time that you won't be able to use anyway. Let them grow and multiply until next time.

If you do lots of fishing or if you're catching minnows for a large group of anglers to use then you would be better off choosing a large minnow net to save time. The next decision would be what style of net to choose. Some of your options are listed below.

Basic Minnow Net - The basic minnow net is made of mess attached to a ring with a handle. All you have to do is place the net in the water underneath the minnows and pull it up through the middle of them. Your net will be full of fresh minnows for your fishing trip.

Umbrella Net - This net gets its name from its unique shape. It looks like an upside down umbrella when in the water. All you have to do is bait the net with some bread or other food to attract the minnows and when they swim over the submerged net, lift it up and out of the water.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best crappie fishing information possible. Go to http://www.askcrapp iefishing. com/editorials/ 5_how-to- pick-the- right-minnow- net.html for more information on crappie fishing gear.

Fishing Facts: 5 White Perch Facts


The white perch may not be as well-known as some of the other species but they are an interesting fish. This species will migrate to tidal fresh and slightly salted water each year when it's time for the spring spawning. The white perch has a thin body and they are actually a silvery color with dark lines along the sides of its body. However, depending on the area where they are fished, they can also be an olive, grayish green or dark brown color on their backs. This color gets lighter as it goes down the sides.

The anal fin has three strong spines and it will be a rosy color on some of the white perch. They have two dorsal fins that are separate. The first fin has nine spines and the second one is soft-rayed. They have large scales compared to many of the other species and white perch have numerous small but very sharp teeth. They are sought out by anglers of all skill levels but they're a good species for the novice angler who's just starting out.

White Perch Facts

The white perch is considered an invasive species because they tend to overpopulate many of the areas where they're introduced. This overpopulation will stunt the growth of both the white perch and many of the other species in the area causing them to not be able to grow as large as they normally would. They are considered to be a member of the bass family but they are not a true bass. They are often called by other names such as silver perch, bass perch, narrow-mouthed bass, sea perch and silver bass.

They can be found in freshwater and salty waters along parts of the Atlantic coast. They are the most abundant along the Hudson River and the Chesapeake Bay and they can be found in many of the larger reservoirs in Maryland. They begin the spring spawning when the water temperature reaches between 50 to 60 degrees. This is when they are feeding the most aggressively. They will feed both day and night so anytime is a good time to seek them out. They will be closer to the shoreline at night and they will move out to the deeper waters during the day. Below are a few more interesting facts surrounding this species.

5 White Perch Facts:

1. The white perch is closely related to the striped bass but they are still not considered to be a true bass.

2. This species is fished in the Chesapeake Bay and parts of the lower Great Lakes commercially.

3. The oldest white perch recorded lived for seventeen years but the average life expectancy is five to seven years.

4. This species can be caught on worms, minnows, lures and streamer flies.

5. The white perch is considered a sportfish that is sought after for its sweet delicious taste.

The white perch may not be as well-known as some of the other species but they are popular with many anglers. Their average length is about ten inches and they weigh about one pound. This makes them a species that anyone can reel in. You don't need any special equipment to seek them out and they will put up a good fight for their size. This makes seeking them out fun and entertaining.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best crappie fishing information possible. Go to http://www.askcrapp iefishing. com/editorials/ 5-white-perch- facts_.html for more information on crappie fishing.

5 Tasty Crappie Recipes

If you get tired of fried crappie, try these delicious recipes, developed and tested in my kitchen by Yours Truly, and friends.

Crappie Tacos: this is a lot like the fish tacos you get from the taco-stands in Baja region of Mexico, and southern California, except they use Tilapia most of the time. Tilapia is delicious, but crappie is better.

Makes 6 tacos:

12 corn torillas
6 crappie fillets, cut to the length of a folded corn tortilla.
2 cups diced onions
3 cups fresh chopped cilantro
6 lime quarters ( 2 limes will give you 8 quarters. Squeeze the 2 extras into your beer or tea.)
1/3 cup melted butter (or margarine)
1 tsp Chili Powder
1 tsp Cumin (I prefer fresh ground, but you can use bottled ground cumin if you
want)
Your favorite salsa, or hot sauce, to taste
Salt and pepper to taste
*optional: sliced avocados

Start by heating two skillets or a flat grill to 350 degrees, on the stove, or use electric ones. While the grill/skillets are heating, melt the butter in the microwave (carefully, on low power), and add the chili powder and cumin to it.

When the grill/skillet is hot heat up the 12 tortillas and place them in a tortilla holder, or wrap in foil and place in a 250-degree oven to keep warm.

Spray the grill/skillet with a non-stick cooking spray, then place the fillets on the grill. As they are cooking, drizzle the butter/spice mixture over them. Cook about 2 minutes, then carefully turn them over, and repeat for the other side. When they are done, remove them to a plate. (Note: the fish are done when they flake easily with a fork. Do not over-cook)

To assemble the tacos, place two tortilla, one on top of the other, on a plate, and place a fillet on top. Put onions, cilantro, salsa, salt and pepper, and avocado slice (if desired) on top of the fillet. Squeeze a lime quarter over the top, getting as much juice as possible out of it, then fold the tortilla in half. Repeat for the other 5 tacos.

Garnish with an ice-cold Dos Equis, or Carte Blanche

Pascare il Linguine: this has the flavor of fine gourmet dining. It starts with a basic Sauce Blance, or Bechamel. If you are ever going to be serious about cooking, you need to learn the 5 basic sauces that all other sauces are derived from: Bechamel, Veloute, Espagnole, Hollandaise, Mayonnaise, and Vinaigrette. I have include the recipe for Bechamel. Keep it for future reference. You will use it a lot, as it is the "King of Sauces". All we do for this is to create a delicate-flavored garlic basil sauce to enhance the natural flavor of crappie, but not cover it up. It is heavenly!

Makes 2 servings.

1 pound of linguine, cooked al-dente.
2 cups L'aglio-basilico- la Salsa di Oregan (recipe follows)
4 crappie fillets (one complete fish for each plate)
1 tbsp melted butter
1 tbsp white wine
salt and pepper to taste

For the : L'aglio-basilico- la Salsa di Oregan:

2 cups milk
4 tbsp melted butter
4 tbsp flour
2 tbsp minced garlic
1 tbsp basil
1 tsp oregano
salt and pepper to taste

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best crappie fishing information possible. Go to http://www.askcrapp iefishing. com/editorials/ 5-crappie- recipes_. html for more information on crappie recipes.

Fishing Facts: Interesting Facts about Walleye

The walleye is a fascinating fish. The eyes, way of baiting the fish and the spawning habits are interesting facts about the fish. The water that the fish prefer and the habits of the walleye make the fish interesting and a prize catch. Besides being a tasty treat for the table, the walleye is a feisty fish to catch and keep. One thing that is true to any fish including the walleye is the fish is abundant in many waters and cannot past up a food source that is offered to them. However, the most interesting facts about the walleye might surprise you. The fish is the most sought after fish in the nation.

Eyes
The marble eyes of the walleye have a reflective pigment layer in the retina. This helps the walleye see in dim to dark conditions under water, which gives the fish an advantage over the other fish that they prey on for food. The walleyes eyes are very sensitive to bright light and sunlight will drive the fish deeper into the water to avoid the sun. This is why walleye fishing is the best just before sun up and right after sundown or all day on an overcast day.

Baiting
Although the walleye have a keen sense of smell and sight, the fish will go after a vibration in murky or strained waters. The walleye will eat almost any fish that crosses the path, but do like May flies, insects, mice, snails, leeches and frogs. In some instances, a walleye has been known to eat small ducks that have ventured onto the water. The best time to bait the walleye is during the spawn when other baitfishes are not abundant because of the weather and water conditions. Walleye are very active feeders during the summer, however, because of the abundance of baitfish during the summer is what slows down the bite for most anglers.

Spawning
The walleye will spawn just after ice out in about 44 degree water temperatures, but this can be different around the states and Canada. A female walleye can produce about 50,000 eggs, although it has been said that a female can produce as many as 400,000 eggs. The walleye will stay deep in the water until the temperatures start to warm, then the fish slowly moves to the shallows to spawn. The males usually move into the spawning grounds before the females. The spawn can last for one to two weeks depending on the water temperatures. Some male walleye will stay near the spawning grounds for as long as month and then move to waters to feed. The females do not usually feed before the spawn, but when it is over for the female, she feeds in a frenzy.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best walleye fishing information possible. Go to http://www.askwalll eyefishing. com/editorials/ 5-facts-about- walleye.html for more information on walleye fishing.

Fishing Bait Tip: The Best Bait for Catfishing


If you know anything at all about catfishing, then you know that the bait you use is the key to your success. The catfish is a unique creature that has been sought after by anglers throughout the ages. The catfish is a very aggressive bottom feeder that seeks out food using their sense of smell. They have whiskers that looks like those of a cat and these are what it uses to search for food.

They are well-known for this strong sense of smell and their aggressive behavior.
The catfish is a very exciting species that anyone can seek out although, they may require some strength to reel in. For this reason, children may need some assistance reeling them in along anyone who has a small frame especially if you've hooked one of the larger species of catfish. One thing is for sure, they provide lots of excitement for the angler and using the right bait can increase your opportunity of reeling in a nice catch.

Still, it's hard to say what the best bait for catfishing is because it will depend on your individual situation. To choose the right bait you need to consider location, time of day, weather patterns and anything else that affects the way the catfish will respond to the bait. All of this takes time to learn and you'll need to do lots of experimenting to find the best baits to use in different situations.

Best Catfish Bait

Experienced anglers have learned that there is no one particular bait that will work the best in every situation but there are several baits that will work well in many situations. Having a variety of these on hand will make it easier to discover which bait is the best one for catfishing in your area, based on the time of day and season you go fishing.

Below you'll find a list of the best bait to use for catfishing that will surely get the attention of this unique species:

* live baits
* stink baits
* scent baits
* worms
* crawdads
* shrimp
* minnows
* cut bait

These baits are not listed in any particular order but as a general rule, live bait is always considered the best because it's their natural food source. However, using live bait is not always practical or possible so you'll need to have other options available and the ones above are some of the best.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best bass fishing information possible. Go to http://www.askcatfi shfishing. com/editorials/ good-choices- in-catfishing- reels.html for more information on catfish reels.

Tackle Tip: Five Pickerel Fishing Lures and when to use them

The pickerel is a species that can be found throughout the freshwaters of the Northern parts of the United States and in Canada. The pickerel is also known as the Northern pike and many people refer to them as just pike. They are a large predatory fish that can weigh up to about ten pounds and they can be very aggressive. This species can be fished all year long and this is one of the reasons why they are so popular.

The pickerel will eat just about anything that gets in their way and they often steal the bait that anglers use when seeking out other species. These two facts is responsible for making many people believe that catching this species is easy but, in reality they're not. They may not be a picky fish when it comes to eating but when you're seeking them out you need to use a bait that will get their attention. Just like with most species, some baits works better than others. If you don't use the right ones, you could spend hours on the water with no bites at all.

The pickerel is highly attracted to live bait and it's sure to get you some bites but there will be times when using live baits is not practical. In these cases, artificial lures can be used and there are even times when using lures would be more productive than live bait. However, you do need to choose something that will get their attention and you need to know when to use them.

Five pickerel fishing lures that work great:

1. Crankbaits - The best time to use crankbaits would be when fishing in cold weather and when fishing in deep waters.
2. Spinners - When using spinners choose the larger ones and they work great in most all conditions.
3. Daredevils - These are a type of spoon and the "red and silver" ones work great in clear water. The "yellow" ones called the "Five-of-Diamonds" work best in muddy waters.
4. Flies - Fly fishing is the most productive when the waters are calm so this would be the best time to use flies.
5. Topwater Lures - These are an excellent choice when fishing in shallow waters because they get the attention of the fish and draw them in your direction.

Out of these five baits there are many different sizes, colors and styles to choose from so there is something to use in every situation. By stocking your tackle box with a variety of the five lures listed above, you should be able to find something that will attract this fish in all situations.

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

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Several Deep Ocean Fishing Tips Which are sure to Help Catch A lot more Fish

Deep sea angling is a wonderful and very enjoyable activity. Follow this advice that will make your salt water angling adventure better yet. Keep an eye on the indicators.

If you find gulls e.g. Seagulls which are feasting for small bait-type fishes, you can probably find large game-type fish under the top of the actual water. At the same time, search for floating timber and also debris. Generally when you chance upon lots of floating wood, you'd probably find the large game fish within the area quite possibly encountering dolphin.

Fishing for Snook: Fishing for snooks is reasonably similar as fishing for bass. Snooks love to be close to ledges, posts and rocks.

Using Crabs for full moon: For the period of full moons use soft crab imitations as bait. This is the period when crabs lose its shells and stripers come seeking them.

Get them tunas, find any dolphins: Yellowfin tuna are often noticed schooling along with dolphins. So if you see any cluster of dolphins, odds are there are several tuna in the spot.

Cut and Burn: For people with problems chopping through a spiderwire braid, consider getting a lighter or a match.

Find a Reef: One of the best place to fish is usually around reefs seeing as large game fish feast upon fish that live upon reefs.

Use the great Circle Hook: Use a circle hook if you would like a greater hook up ratio. Such hooks ensures much more catch, because of the minute gap, as well as the reverse point. They are normally better with regard to these fish considering they don't hook in the gut just the lip.

Get a little Sea Sick: Check out the horizon and keep on deck. These would certainly often help you if you're having difficulties with sea sickness: Stay clear of the motorboat fumes, breathing this just exacerbates the problem.

Anchor stuck a little bit: Anytime the anchor is actually trapped on the bottom, consider attaching a float to it. Come back right after the actual tide has adjusted in direction. This ought to be enough to loosen the anchor.

Fish where the fish seem to be: A great deal of anglers get the notion that they need to be getting their live baits over the actual reefs before moving to deep waters. If the live baits aren't within a spot you were gonna catch any large games, then why would you develop a idea that the actual large fish are there. Wouldn't they be in the particular place in which the bait fish are?

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Tackle Tip: Fishing Baits - Is There a Perfect Fishing Bait?



Fishing Baits - Is There a Perfect Fishing Bait?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Matthew_W_Faulkner]Matthew W Faulkner

There's truly an assortment of bait that it is not easy to recommend a particular tone or shade, size, or type as one of the best. You will discover over a thousand on the market. Each one will take fish at some time or another.

Fishing baits in general weigh between ¼ to a oz to 3 oz.. Probably the most preferred number popular with a majority of bait casters is going to be a 5/8- oz bait, even though the normal is in between ½ and three quarters of a oz. Baits may also be used as a whole and also cut in to chunks. Anglers can also get dead and live, baits.

There is a large variety of organisms being used as fishing baits. Together with various kinds found in fishing, the commonly chosen are the small fishes. These include very popular fish baits such as herring, anchovies, menhaden, along with a few others which you'll find inborn to certain hometown waters. Large fishes are normally chosen as chunk baits.

Baits may be found whole, chunk, along with strips, depending on the movements of the type of fishes getting chased. The size of the fishing bait is usually properly matched taking into consideration the size of the fish getting hunted. Some other common organisms used for bait fishing will likely be crabs, worms, shrimps, crabs, clams, sand fleas, eels, and even squid. Amongst every one of the organisms talked about, the crabs along with the the shrimps are generally the totally- favorite organisms that need be used as fishing baits.

Shrimp appear to be well used as bait and are consider to be highly important bait for hundreds of saltwater fish, specially ones that are considered as "inshore fish" for example redfish, speckled trout, shook, plus a lot more.

Whereas, various crab species, mainly the fiddler crab, sand flea, as well as the blue crab, are terrific baits for a variety of "inshore fishes" and also "bottom fish. " These crabs are typically clasped by way of the shell, as a rule on either the right and also left of the head.

Getting Fresh Bait?

Anglers might get fishing bait either purchasing them in bait shops or simply by catching them themselves.

The benefit of buying bait will likely be convenience, even though catching live fishing bait is better value and is as a rule more successful in luring fish. Digging to get earthworms is one other task. Earthworms make an outstanding bait.

Indeed, every time you are considering bait fishing, deciding on the best fishing bait is often priceless and important toward the success of fishing. For this reason, anglers will want to understand the basic principles of choosing fishing baits in order to save you time and also money

There is a little-known secret to finding swarms of hungry game fish and catching them at will. It is one of the most powerful fishing discoveries I have ever witnessed, and it works time and time again with a consistency unmatched by any method I have ever tried. Saltwater Fishing Weapon at http://fishingtacklestuff.blogspot.com

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Fishing-Baits---Is-There-a-Perfect-Fishing-Bait?&id=3549543] Fishing Baits - Is There a Perfect Fishing Bait?

Friday, January 8, 2010

Walleye Fishing Tip: Five Walleye Jig Fishing Techniques



Do you enjoy fishing for walleye? The walleye is a popular species of fish that is sought after for both the challenge they provide and for the great taste.

There's nothing else like being out on the water, enjoying all the things nature has to offer and reeling in those fish. It's relaxing and exciting all at the same time, which is probably the biggest reason fishing is so popular with so many people.

The walleye is among the most sought after because they are a unique species that makes fishing even more interesting and fun. Their distinctive eyes allow them to see better in dim lighting so they have an advantage over their prey.

For this reason they tend to feed the most aggressively during the nighttime hours and when it's cloudy and overcast. They also bite well when it's windy making the water choppy because this breaks up the light shining in the water and makes it darker.

There are many different methods used to fish for the walleye that works very well. Which method do you use when fishing for this species? Out of all the options available, many anglers enjoy jig fishing because it offers several benefits that you won't get from some of the other methods.

Five Jigging Techniques

Anglers love jig fishing because it helps them get the bait in the area where the walleye are located without disturbing the group and scattering them in different directions. Many anglers consider jigging to be one of the easiest methods available, which is another reason why it's so well like and used so often. To help you get the most from your fishing experiences, below are five jigging tips that can help improve your technique.

Five jigging techniques:

Vertical Fishing - The walleye suspend themselves throughout the water at different depths depending on the time of year, day and other environmental factors. Jig fishing allows you to get right overtop of the fish by using a technique called vertical fishing. However, to get overtop of the suspended fish you need to know where they are. Using electronic devices can help you find the walleye and record where they're located. Once you find the right depth in one location the walleye will normally be at this same depth throughout the water.

Flipping - The flipping technique is often used when jig fishing. This method of jigging allows you to cover the area where the walleye are located around structures more thoroughly, which in turn can lead to more bites.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best walleye fishing information possible. Go to http://www.askwalle yefishing. com/editorials/ 5_five-walleye- jig-fishing- techniques. html for more information on walleye jig fishing.

Winter Fishing Tips: Tips for Ice Fishing for Walleye at Night



Like most fishermen/women, I am always looking for a new challenge; something that will enhance the already exhilarating and thrilling experience of catching a spirited and aggressive walleye. I have risen well before the sun, trekked out through a thick blanket of fog, surrounded by the mournful howling of coyotes in the distance, just to stake out the prime fishing holes before anyone else. I have hiked through the dense forests of Northern Ontario just to reach the perfect rock outcropping where I will stand for hours to catch the first tasty fish of the day.

One thing I have never had the chance to do is set up a small, wooden shanty on the middle of a frozen lake in the dead of night. So, I decided that this was my next adventure. But, being one to always prepare myself ahead of time, I set out to learn the best techniques and tips so that I wouldn't have to return home, head hanging low, and mumble to everyone that I got skunked. Following are the three top tips that I learned in order to have a successful - and toasty night on the lake:

Location is the key - Now, you may think that because the entire lake is frozen over that there is a virtual paradise of spots to choose from. This isn't entirely true. You need to think about where you are going to set up and drill your hole. Otherwise, you will find yourself trudging all over the ice making hole after hole and wondering why you haven't had a single bite.

If you are familiar with the lake, set up near known sunken islands, channel edges and in bays. If you know where the weed beds are, this is a good place to set up as well. Areas near the mouth of flowing rivers are also good spots because the current underneath carries an abundance of plankton that the walleye will follow. If you are fishing in an area that you are not familiar with, you may want to bring a GPS or fish finder so that you can see the underwater areas.

Many reservoirs are man made and so they do not possess many of these underwater structures. Seek out areas where there are other fishermen - they are obviously there for a reason, so use this information to your advantage.

Light the Way (in moderation) - Walleye are very sensitive to the light because of the way their eyes are structured. Their eyes are located on the top of their heads and so, light from the surface can irritate them and cause them to seek darker areas in the water.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best walleye fishing information possible. Go to http://www.askwalle yefishing. com/editorials/ tips-for- ice-fishing- for-walleye- at-night- .html for more information on walleye night fishing.

Fishing Tackle Tip: Great Methods for Cleaning Walleye



The popularity of the walleye fish can be a combination of its beauty, size and the desire to catch it. The walleye themselves are not easy fish to obtain. A great deal of planning must go into the day in order to find the perfect spot during the right time in order to catch your next walleye. This well-liked fish is indeed regulated in many states around the US and similar areas in Canada.

Due to the reputation of the walleye, there can be strict regulations about the size of the walleye that you can pull out of the water, so be sure to recognize any stipulations in the area where you are fishing for your walleye. Check the regulations on where you happen to be fishing since some areas will require you to keep the skin on your fillets before crossing borders. If you fillet a fish and make it unrecognizable and unable to measure accurately, it is against the law and should be avoided.

Cleaning walleye can be extremely easy, especially for those who have had their hand at cleaning fish previously. Do not feel that you will be at a disadvantage if you have never cleaned a fish before; walleyes are one of the easier fish to clean and prepare for that big feast. Sometimes getting the assistance of someone who has experience cleaning walleye could be beneficial for you if it is your first time trying your hand at cleaning a walleye. No matter if you are grilling, baking or broiling your walleye fish, you will need to effectively clean the fish to avoid any small bones and give you perfect fillets for your next meal.

Some fishermen will use a regular knife blade while others prefer an electric knife. The difference between each tool is merely personal preference. As you become more skilled at cleaning fish, you can decide which knife works best for your own cleaning methods.

All in all, cleaning a walleye should take no longer than just a few short minutes, but take your time and be careful when going through each step to avoid making any mistakes along the way. By slicing the walleye at the gills and letting it bleed out on a stringer for a few minutes you are sure to get pure white fillets.

To begin cleaning your walleye, you will want to lay the fish on its side with the head in your one hand. Most prefer to cut out the cheeks first to get an exceptional addition to the meal. Take the knife and place it directly behind the forward fin. While some angle their knife towards the head at this point, others face it directly down towards the spine. Once you are cutting down, you will want to be sure you do not cut through the backbone, but rather once you reach the spine, turn your knife sideways facing towards the tail of your walleye. This will give you the angle you need in order to continue on down the length of the fish to reach the tail. This piece of meat will be your first fillet.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best walleye fishing information possible. Go to http://www.askwalle yefishing. com/editorials/ 3-methods- for-cleaning- walleye.html for more information on walleye fishing.