Category: Fishing

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Fishing

11 Must-Have Items to Include In Fishing Tackle Box

The contents of the tackle box will vary in relation to the type of fishing, but it helps to be prepared with the proper stuff to make the fishing better and easier.

Fishing Lures and Tackle BoxA tackle box checklist should consist of items like extra fishing line, sinkers, scales, insect repellent, sharp knife, needlenose pliers, hooks, swivels, floaters, sunscreen, and leaders.

Here are eleven of the useful tools that feature in a well-prepared fishing tackle box:

1 – Adjustable Wrench

An adjustable wrench is a practical tool to add to the tackle box and comes in handy for tightening bolts to opening reel covers.

2 – First-Aid Kit

A complete first-aid kit is certain to be an instant remedy for treating minor injuries when out on the water. Plus, include aspirin or similar over-the-counter medication to help treat headaches, aches, or pains. Also, include other regular medication that is needed for the general health.

3 – File

A reliable file will help with sharpening the knife and keeping hooks sharp. The most promising files are the triangle or flat models. Alternatively, a whetstone can be kept in the tackle box to offer a similar function, although the file is more lightweight and versatile.

4 – Flashlight

A flashlight is a versatile tool and helps in a variety of situations including signaling for help.

5 – Kitchen towel

A roll of kitchen towel or similar is certain to help with wiping up sunscreen to starting a fire. A Ziploc bag is a perfect place to keep the supplies that should be kept free of moisture.

6 – Knife

A knife in stainless steel is certain to offer long-term performance and less likely to rust in the damp environment. Sharp knives are useful in a variety of applications, from cutting fishing line, opening tins, cutting bait, etc. A multi-function knife can also come with a scaling blade.

7 – Lighter

A simple lighter can offer a versatile tool in a variety of situations where heat can benefit. It can be used to repair damage to plastic worms to melting the tips of nylon rope to avoid issues with fraying.

8 – Lures

A tackle box is never complete without a varied selection of lures. Make sure to pack the lures to match the type of fishing and species to ensure the activity is more productive. Plus, include a lure dye to help instantly change the color of the fish bait in seconds.

9 – Nail Clippers

A pair of nail clippers is perfect for clipping fishing line.

10 – Needlenose Pliers

Use a set of needlenose pliers to help remove hooks from the captured fish. Most of these pliers have cutters to help with clipping the line. Plus, these versatile tools can also help with crimp leaders, mash splitshot, and similar other duties.

11 – Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a must for those fishermen that will be exposed to strong sunlight for long periods of time while out fishing. Repeat applications are necessary to put back on what is lost as you sweat throughout the day.

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Fishing

All about Freshwater Fishing

Freshwater fishing relates to fishing in water that has no to minimal salt content. Fresh water fishing is highly versatile and has the option of fishing for a varied selection of fish species.

Crappie Fish

Freshwater fish amounts to about 42% of the available species.

Some of the favorite freshwater fish species include:

  • Bass
  • Catfish
  • Crappie
  • Musky
  • Salmon
  • Trout
  • Walleye

This type of fishing activity is experienced in streams and rivers, ponds and lakes, from a seafront dock, on a boat or from shore. Plus, there are several different types of lures, baits, and techniques used in the process of catching the fish.

What is the most challenging place to fish?

What is the difference with river or stream fishing and lake or pond fishing? Each body of water presents different variables when it comes to freshwater fishing. A major challenge relates to fast or slow moving water (streams and rivers) to the virtually still water (ponds and lakes). Water make-up, structure, and ecosystem are entirely different with each environment. Get a good understanding of the fishing hole to increase the change of catching the fish.

Freshwater gear to match the fish you’re after

The fishing gear choices are wide-ranging and vary with the different kinds of fish, how you will be fishing, and over competence at fishing. Picking the right fishing tackle and supplies are certain to help be more productive at the bass lake or river. A well-chosen selection of tackle, rods, and reels must match the species of fish that you’re after.

Natural fishing bait vs. lures

A great fisherman has great fishing sense, practical skills, and well rounded selection of gear. The preference for natural fishing bait or lures is down to a variety of factors. Choosing the right tackle can result in a much more productive fishing trip. Choices relate to type of fishing, time of year, and specific fish you are aiming to catch.

Lake maps are indispensable

An ability to read lake maps is certain to be a major benefit to the experienced. A well read map will make it easier to identify the most attractive spots to find the large quantities and preferred type of fish. Using these maps is one of the most effective options to understand the local waters. Whether a complete novice or experienced, these maps are certain to help the fisherman hone their skills and target the right place to fish.

A practical choice is the contour or topographical map. This type of map helps to calculate the depth of water and this is critical to finding the various fish species. Most fish are easily found at particular water depths which can vary with the season and specific fish. Contour maps include lines which indicate the depth and anglers can rely on this information to increase the chance of successfully hooking the fish.

Once a contour map has been read it helps to visit the actual lake or river in-person to fully establish the fishing possibilities in the local area. A typical map is clearly able to show several different sites that are perfect for fishing and includes the depth to fish.

Freshwater fishing tips and tricks

Fishing tactics will vary depending on where you propose to fish. Fishing in cold or brackish water often depends on a particular style, while fishing in freshwater relies on an alternative plan.

  • A great alternative to worm bait is the locust which is appreciated by large fish species.
  • A mossy area is attractive to fish as it packs a lot of food.
  • Cast the line near shore to increase the chance of fishing biting.
  • Read the local fishing reports at the time of fishing to identify the spots the fish are biting.
  • Fish congregate in areas of the river or lake that offer a reliable source of food. This is often an area of the lake that turns deep to shallow.
  • Early morning is a great time to fish.
  • Use a shiny lure to attract specific fish, but there is a chance these lures will cause confusion should the sun reflect directly on them. An alternative option is the fishing lures fished in matted metal.

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Fishing

Bass Fishing Tips & Tactics

Bass is a generic term that can relate to several species of fish. A popular fish species often visualized is the largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and one of the most sought by fisherman.

Largemouth Bass

Other types include:

  • White bass (Morone chrysops)
  • Striped bass (M. saxatilis)
  • Spotted bass (M. punctulatus)
  • Smallmouth bass (M. dolomieu)
  • Guadalupe bass (M. treculii)
  • Choctaw bass (M. haiaka)

Largemouth bass

A highly popular fish in North America, the largemouth bass is olive green in color with a distinct dark strip and can reach up to 22 pounds in weight and 29.5 inches in body length. This popular game fish survives on a diet of snakes, small fish, shrimp, scuds, insects, frogs, crawfish, and bait fish. Life expectancy in the wild is in the region of 16 years. Largemouth bass can easily catch prey that is at least 25-50% of body length.

Here are several of the most practical tips and tactics for bass fishing:

Pre-spawn season

Bass fishing is particularly active throughout the largemouth pre-spawn season. The start of pre-spawn is usually early spring when the temperature of the water starts to reach 55-65°. Throughout this period the male and female fish will start to feed aggressively in the shallow areas and seek out the most attractive nesting site. Bass are easy to detect during this time and often quite close to shore. Use a catch and release policy for the female fish to ensure the spawning cycle can be completed.

Bass habits

Weather can dictate the whereabouts of bass. Bright sunlight can force the fish to look for areas of shelter. Bass are more active when there is little sun or cloudy and will leave their place of shelter. So, when it is sunny outside, the best fishing areas to keep your live bait or lure are those places the fish might use for protection and shelter.

Right time of day

Bass fishing is most productive at the start of the day or left until the evening. The best time to arrive at a preferred fishing spot is one or two hours before sunset or sunup – although bass will feed earlier in the afternoon if the water is muddy or it is a cloudy day.

Map study

Study a map to help identify drops-offs and different depths. Most bodies of water have maps and easily source online using local or state resources. Maps can also list sunken structures or cribs that are used for protection. A map can be marked with successful or non-productive areas for future reference.

Captured bass

A captured bass will often throw-up the stomach contents when fighting you. By looking inside the mouth, it is possible to see the feed and this can be mimicked with a similar looking lure. Alternatively, for live bait try to catch what the bass are feeding on and hook that to the end of the line.

Watch the line

Give the line a thorough examination every so often to ensure it isn’t starting to fray or wear. The fishing line is often in contact with stumps, branches, gravel, rocks, etc. A low-quality line can easily break, especially when targeting a monster bass.

Size of lure

The size of lure isn’t likely to have an impact on the size of fish you hook. Many of the largemouth bass will go after prey that is a quarter or half its body length. If unsuccessful at catching any bass on your lures, it might be practical to swap-out for a smaller size to see if more positive results are achieved.

Live bait

If artificial lures aren’t producing the productive catch of bass it might benefit to start using a variety of live bait. Frogs, crayfish, and worms are great options to use as live bait. A slip bobber can also be used to help with adjusting the baits depth for more effective casting.

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Fishing

Fishing Tackle & Gear for Beginners

Fishing tackle and gear is the wide-ranging supplies used by fishermen when fishing. Specific tackle equipment can include boxes, reels, gaffs, nets, lines, sinkers, baits, waders, lures, etc.

Fishing Lures and Tackle BoxBelow is an overview of the specific bits of kit used by fishermen:

Fishing rods

Basic fishing gear for the angler includes a rod and reel. A fishing rod can vary from a sophisticated rod to a simple stick. High-end rods come in high-tech materials and expertly crafted. Modern rods are manufactured in graphite, fiberglass, or a combination of both. Early rods were produced in materials like cane and bamboo. Fishing rods come in varied sizes, strengths, lengths, and shapes. Also, rods can be manufactured for catching a specific species of fish or for a particular fishing spot.

Reels

Fishing reels are largely split into three styles: multipliers, spinning reels (or fixed spool), and fly reels. Reels are what the angler uses to let out the fishing line and pull in the captured fish. This means fishing is possible at a greater distance. Reels vary significantly and come in a variety of shapes and sizes to match the intended style of fishing, speed of retrieval, strength, and amount of line to hold.

Hooks

Stock the tackle box with multiple sizes and configurations of hooks to ensure you are ready to snare any sort of quarry. The hook comes in many different sizes, shapes, and materials, and includes the single to treble hooks. A regular J-hook is a popular choice, while a French hook is also favored. Hook sizes vary from the smallest at 32 to the largest at number 19/0.

Fishing line

The type of line packed in the tackle box depends on the species of fish you are fishing for and where you are fishing. The fishing line is available in plenty of different types that vary in relation to shape, fabric, elasticity, breaking strain, color, feel, diameter, and length. If fishing in a calm, crystal-clear lake a clear and thin line is a practical option, whereas, a heavy-duty line is more advisable if fishing in difficult conditions. A durable and heavy line is much less likely to snap when attempting to haul out the larger catch.

Bait

Bait comes in all shapes and sizes. Of course a popular choice is the different kinds of natural bait such as nuts, hemps, larvae, grubs, red worms, as well as several types of fish and meat. Alternatively, the fabricated baits consist of boiled, sweet corn, and bread. Preferred bait relates to the type of fish you are attempting to pursue and capture. Fleshy baits will attract the attention of carnivorous fish like pike, sharks, and barracuda. Carp is caught using edible bait like boiled nuts, luncheon meat, and bread flake.

Lures

Most fishermen can get away with an old hook and worm at the end of the rod when perusing fish. But there are literally thousand of different types of lures: minnow imitations, spoons, and spinners are some of the top-rated lures. Different lures react in different ways to help attract the fish. For instance, a minnow imitation is compact in size and appears much like miniature minnows swimming. This lure can attract several different types of medium-large sized fish. Spinners are one of the most popular and designed with an attached blade which helps to create a spinning motion; this helps to attract the fish.

Bobbers

Bobbers (also call floaters) are helpful for letting the angler know when a fish bites on the line. Any fish that bites on the bait will cause the bobber to sink. This lets the fisherman know it is time to start reeling in the catch. Again, there are several different types of bobbers to choose from. A standard bobber is in a plastic material, round, and colored white or red. However, a bobber can put a limit on the depth the line can be cast.

Plastic worms

Plastic worms offer a convenient alternative to live bait and come in several different sizes and colors. Plastic worms with the longer tail are the most clear-cut to use. Soft plastic bait is highly versatile and an effective option for catching certain fish like sea angler bass, wrasse, and Pollock.