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.