Beginner Fishing Tips: The Ultimate Guide for New Anglers

Are you excited to cast your line and reel in your first catch? Whether you’re fishing in freshwater or saltwater, there are essential tips that can help you improve your chances. Here’s a beginner-friendly guide that will set you up for success:

1. Select the Right Lures Match the color of your lure to the water conditions. Darker waters often require brighter-colored lures, while clearer waters benefit from lighter tones.

2. Choose Proper Lure Sizes Pick a lure that mimics the size of the local baitfish. Predatory fish tend to target these familiar shapes and sizes.

3. Use the Right Gear Invest in fishing equipment suited for your target species. Lighter rods work better for smaller fish, while heavier rods are ideal for larger catches.

4. Trolling Made Easy Ensure your lures swim naturally by adjusting your boat speed when trolling. Lures that swim realistically are more likely to attract fish.

5. Get the Best Line Different fishing lines offer various advantages. Braided lines are great for sensitivity, while monofilament works well when fishing with live bait.

6. Fish During Peak Times Early morning and late evening are the best times to fish, as fish are more active during these hours. Cloudy days can also provide better fishing conditions.

7. Understand Tides and Currents If you're fishing in saltwater, always consider the tides and currents, as they significantly affect fish behavior.

8. Keep Hooks Sharp Ensure your hooks are sharp for better penetration when a fish strikes. Sharp hooks increase your chances of a successful catch.

9. Set Your Reel Drag Correctly setting your reel drag will help prevent line breakage. Use a scale to ensure it’s set to about one-third of your line's breaking strength.

10. Do Your Research Each fishing environment has its own set of challenges. Read up on local species and fishing techniques to gain an edge.

Rules For Fishing Catfish At Night

 An excellent article from catfishing expert Bob Alexander.

The sound of the tug boat chugging up the river, pushing heavily laden barges filled with grain, quieted the tree frogs and crickets that shared the night with me as I watched the tip of my catfish rod jerk feverishly.

After the initial tug on the line, all movement of my fishing pole stopped. I considered this for a moment and then decided to leave the bait where it was, if there was any left on the hook. It was too pleasant an evening to exert the energy it takes to pull the hook and sinker out of the river bed, re-bait and sling it back out into the deep dark water.

My brother, cousin and I were all sitting in our camp chairs as we listened to the night sounds resonating softly against the gently moving Tennessee River, halfway between Decatur and Huntsville, Alabama. The day had been blistering hot, but at 9:00 in the evening, the temperature was pleasantly cooled by a Southeasterly breeze up from the Gulf of Mexico.

In order to thoroughly enjoy a night fishing experience such as ours, it is imperative that one follow a few simple rules designed to make an evening fishing trip pleasant.

Let there be light! This is a must for night time fishing. Bring your camp lantern or a set of construction lights that operate off the cigarette lighter in your car. Stumbling around in the dark on the banks of a river or lake can be hazardous to your health.

Make sure that you are able to tolerate your fishing companions during stretches of fishing inactivity. Usually the best fishing companions are those who keep their mouths shut and enjoy the serenity of silence; but they're hard to find.

With the advances in technology available today, it doesn't make sense not to bring along a cell phone. Leave it in the car or truck to use in case of an emergency. Don't be tempted to call someone simply to chat during a lull in the fishing action, unless you have just caught a whopper of a fish and want to brag a little to a friend.

Bring a good portable camp chair. Better still; a chaise lounge would be preferable for a relaxing evening. The only drawback to this is when reacting to a strike by a fish, it's difficult to extricate yourself from the chair fast enough to set the hook. It can be embarrassing to fall on your face while the catch of the night is swimming down the river with your rod and reel in tow.

You will need a cooler, filled with ice, soft drinks and water. My years of experience in leisure activities have taught me that river water and alcoholic beverages just do not mix, whether you are sitting on the bank or fishing from a boat. My advice is to leave them at home.

Nothing works up an appetite like sitting in the dark on the bank of a river, chatting with pleasurable company about anything that comes to mind. Usually though, talk is confined to old fish stories about the big ones caught and the giants that got away. It makes you hungry!

No one really wants a sandwich when they're fishing at night; they're hungry for something more stable, like hot dogs. Charcoal is a must for cooking hot dogs. Unless you've brought along a camp stove, hamburgers or steaks are more trouble than they're worth. Besides, the smell of catfish bait on your hands doesn't seem to linger on hot dogs the way it does on fresh meat.

Remember to bring the bug spray! Unless the wind is blowing gnats, mosquitoes and other flying insects away from you, insect repellent is a must!

Last on the list of necessary equipment to take on an evening fishing trip are rods, reels, sinkers and hooks. Cat fish seem to like stinky baits so that's what I use. When I was younger, I would fish with chicken liver, shad guts and any other bait that had been left out in the sun to ripen. Today I just go to one of the large tackle stores and buy prepackaged soft baits that smell just as bad as the ones I remember from my youth.

Fishing at night is fun. I've never claimed to be an expert in catching catfish, just an expert in fishing for them.

Bob Alexander is well experienced in outdoor cooking, fishing and leisure living. Bob is also the author and owner of this article. Visit his sites at:

[http://www.bluemarlinbob.com]

[http://www.redfishbob.com]

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Bob_Alexander/51033


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2653918

The sound of the tug boat chugging up the river, pushing heavily laden barges filled with grain, quieted the tree frogs and crickets that shared the night with me as I watched the tip of my catfish rod jerk feverishly.

After the initial tug on the line, all movement of my fishing pole stopped. I considered this for a moment and then decided to leave the bait where it was, if there was any left on the hook. It was too pleasant an evening to exert the energy it takes to pull the hook and sinker out of the river bed, re-bait and sling it back out into the deep dark water.

My brother, cousin and I were all sitting in our camp chairs as we listened to the night sounds resonating softly against the gently moving Tennessee River, halfway between Decatur and Huntsville, Alabama. The day had been blistering hot, but at 9:00 in the evening, the temperature was pleasantly cooled by a Southeasterly breeze up from the Gulf of Mexico.

In order to thoroughly enjoy a night fishing experience such as ours, it is imperative that one follow a few simple rules designed to make an evening fishing trip pleasant.

Let there be light! This is a must for night time fishing. Bring your camp lantern or a set of construction lights that operate off the cigarette lighter in your car. Stumbling around in the dark on the banks of a river or lake can be hazardous to your health.

Make sure that you are able to tolerate your fishing companions during stretches of fishing inactivity. Usually the best fishing companions are those who keep their mouths shut and enjoy the serenity of silence; but they're hard to find.

With the advances in technology available today, it doesn't make sense not to bring along a cell phone. Leave it in the car or truck to use in case of an emergency. Don't be tempted to call someone simply to chat during a lull in the fishing action, unless you have just caught a whopper of a fish and want to brag a little to a friend.

Bring a good portable camp chair. Better still; a chaise lounge would be preferable for a relaxing evening. The only drawback to this is when reacting to a strike by a fish, it's difficult to extricate yourself from the chair fast enough to set the hook. It can be embarrassing to fall on your face while the catch of the night is swimming down the river with your rod and reel in tow.

You will need a cooler, filled with ice, soft drinks and water. My years of experience in leisure activities have taught me that river water and alcoholic beverages just do not mix, whether you are sitting on the bank or fishing from a boat. My advice is to leave them at home.

Nothing works up an appetite like sitting in the dark on the bank of a river, chatting with pleasurable company about anything that comes to mind. Usually though, talk is confined to old fish stories about the big ones caught and the giants that got away. It makes you hungry!

No one really wants a sandwich when they're fishing at night; they're hungry for something more stable, like hot dogs. Charcoal is a must for cooking hot dogs. Unless you've brought along a camp stove, hamburgers or steaks are more trouble than they're worth. Besides, the smell of catfish bait on your hands doesn't seem to linger on hot dogs the way it does on fresh meat.

Remember to bring the bug spray! Unless the wind is blowing gnats, mosquitoes and other flying insects away from you, insect repellent is a must!

Last on the list of necessary equipment to take on an evening fishing trip are rods, reels, sinkers and hooks. Cat fish seem to like stinky baits so that's what I use. When I was younger, I would fish with chicken liver, shad guts and any other bait that had been left out in the sun to ripen. Today I just go to one of the large tackle stores and buy prepackaged soft baits that smell just as bad as the ones I remember from my youth.

Fishing at night is fun. I've never claimed to be an expert in catching catfish, just an expert in fishing for them.

Bob Alexander is well experienced in outdoor cooking, fishing and leisure living. Bob is also the author and owner of this article. Visit his sites at:

[http://www.bluemarlinbob.com]

[http://www.redfishbob.com]

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Bob_Alexander/51033

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2653918

The sound of the tug boat chugging up the river, pushing heavily laden barges filled with grain, quieted the tree frogs and crickets that shared the night with me as I watched the tip of my catfish rod jerk feverishly.

After the initial tug on the line, all movement of my fishing pole stopped. I considered this for a moment and then decided to leave the bait where it was, if there was any left on the hook. It was too pleasant an evening to exert the energy it takes to pull the hook and sinker out of the river bed, re-bait and sling it back out into the deep dark water.

My brother, cousin and I were all sitting in our camp chairs as we listened to the night sounds resonating softly against the gently moving Tennessee River, halfway between Decatur and Huntsville, Alabama. The day had been blistering hot, but at 9:00 in the evening, the temperature was pleasantly cooled by a Southeasterly breeze up from the Gulf of Mexico.

In order to thoroughly enjoy a night fishing experience such as ours, it is imperative that one follow a few simple rules designed to make an evening fishing trip pleasant.

Let there be light! This is a must for night time fishing. Bring your camp lantern or a set of construction lights that operate off the cigarette lighter in your car. Stumbling around in the dark on the banks of a river or lake can be hazardous to your health.

Make sure that you are able to tolerate your fishing companions during stretches of fishing inactivity. Usually the best fishing companions are those who keep their mouths shut and enjoy the serenity of silence; but they're hard to find.

With the advances in technology available today, it doesn't make sense not to bring along a cell phone. Leave it in the car or truck to use in case of an emergency. Don't be tempted to call someone simply to chat during a lull in the fishing action, unless you have just caught a whopper of a fish and want to brag a little to a friend.

Bring a good portable camp chair. Better still; a chaise lounge would be preferable for a relaxing evening. The only drawback to this is when reacting to a strike by a fish, it's difficult to extricate yourself from the chair fast enough to set the hook. It can be embarrassing to fall on your face while the catch of the night is swimming down the river with your rod and reel in tow.

You will need a cooler, filled with ice, soft drinks and water. My years of experience in leisure activities have taught me that river water and alcoholic beverages just do not mix, whether you are sitting on the bank or fishing from a boat. My advice is to leave them at home.

Nothing works up an appetite like sitting in the dark on the bank of a river, chatting with pleasurable company about anything that comes to mind. Usually though, talk is confined to old fish stories about the big ones caught and the giants that got away. It makes you hungry!

No one really wants a sandwich when they're fishing at night; they're hungry for something more stable, like hot dogs. Charcoal is a must for cooking hot dogs. Unless you've brought along a camp stove, hamburgers or steaks are more trouble than they're worth. Besides, the smell of catfish bait on your hands doesn't seem to linger on hot dogs the way it does on fresh meat.

Remember to bring the bug spray! Unless the wind is blowing gnats, mosquitoes and other flying insects away from you, insect repellent is a must!

Last on the list of necessary equipment to take on an evening fishing trip are rods, reels, sinkers and hooks. Cat fish seem to like stinky baits so that's what I use. When I was younger, I would fish with chicken liver, shad guts and any other bait that had been left out in the sun to ripen. Today I just go to one of the large tackle stores and buy prepackaged soft baits that smell just as bad as the ones I remember from my youth.

Fishing at night is fun. I've never claimed to be an expert in catching catfish, just an expert in fishing for them.

Bob Alexander is well experienced in outdoor cooking, fishing and leisure living. Bob is also the author and owner of this article. Visit his sites at:

[http://www.bluemarlinbob.com]

[http://www.redfishbob.com]

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Bob_Alexander/51033

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2653918

The sound of the tug boat chugging up the river, pushing heavily laden barges filled with grain, quieted the tree frogs and crickets that shared the night with me as I watched the tip of my catfish rod jerk feverishly.

After the initial tug on the line, all movement of my fishing pole stopped. I considered this for a moment and then decided to leave the bait where it was, if there was any left on the hook. It was too pleasant an evening to exert the energy it takes to pull the hook and sinker out of the river bed, re-bait and sling it back out into the deep dark water.

My brother, cousin and I were all sitting in our camp chairs as we listened to the night sounds resonating softly against the gently moving Tennessee River, halfway between Decatur and Huntsville, Alabama. The day had been blistering hot, but at 9:00 in the evening, the temperature was pleasantly cooled by a Southeasterly breeze up from the Gulf of Mexico.

In order to thoroughly enjoy a night fishing experience such as ours, it is imperative that one follow a few simple rules designed to make an evening fishing trip pleasant.

Let there be light! This is a must for night time fishing. Bring your camp lantern or a set of construction lights that operate off the cigarette lighter in your car. Stumbling around in the dark on the banks of a river or lake can be hazardous to your health.

Make sure that you are able to tolerate your fishing companions during stretches of fishing inactivity. Usually the best fishing companions are those who keep their mouths shut and enjoy the serenity of silence; but they're hard to find.

With the advances in technology available today, it doesn't make sense not to bring along a cell phone. Leave it in the car or truck to use in case of an emergency. Don't be tempted to call someone simply to chat during a lull in the fishing action, unless you have just caught a whopper of a fish and want to brag a little to a friend.

Bring a good portable camp chair. Better still; a chaise lounge would be preferable for a relaxing evening. The only drawback to this is when reacting to a strike by a fish, it's difficult to extricate yourself from the chair fast enough to set the hook. It can be embarrassing to fall on your face while the catch of the night is swimming down the river with your rod and reel in tow.

You will need a cooler, filled with ice, soft drinks and water. My years of experience in leisure activities have taught me that river water and alcoholic beverages just do not mix, whether you are sitting on the bank or fishing from a boat. My advice is to leave them at home.

Nothing works up an appetite like sitting in the dark on the bank of a river, chatting with pleasurable company about anything that comes to mind. Usually though, talk is confined to old fish stories about the big ones caught and the giants that got away. It makes you hungry!

No one really wants a sandwich when they're fishing at night; they're hungry for something more stable, like hot dogs. Charcoal is a must for cooking hot dogs. Unless you've brought along a camp stove, hamburgers or steaks are more trouble than they're worth. Besides, the smell of catfish bait on your hands doesn't seem to linger on hot dogs the way it does on fresh meat.

Remember to bring the bug spray! Unless the wind is blowing gnats, mosquitoes and other flying insects away from you, insect repellent is a must!

Last on the list of necessary equipment to take on an evening fishing trip are rods, reels, sinkers and hooks. Cat fish seem to like stinky baits so that's what I use. When I was younger, I would fish with chicken liver, shad guts and any other bait that had been left out in the sun to ripen. Today I just go to one of the large tackle stores and buy prepackaged soft baits that smell just as bad as the ones I remember from my youth.

Fishing at night is fun. I've never claimed to be an expert in catching catfish, just an expert in fishing for them.

Bob Alexander is well experienced in outdoor cooking, fishing and leisure living. Bob is also the author and owner of this article. Visit his sites at:

[http://www.bluemarlinbob.com]

[http://www.redfishbob.com]

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Bob_Alexander/51033

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2653918

The sound of the tug boat chugging up the river, pushing heavily laden barges filled with grain, quieted the tree frogs and crickets that shared the night with me as I watched the tip of my catfish rod jerk feverishly.

After the initial tug on the line, all movement of my fishing pole stopped. I considered this for a moment and then decided to leave the bait where it was, if there was any left on the hook. It was too pleasant an evening to exert the energy it takes to pull the hook and sinker out of the river bed, re-bait and sling it back out into the deep dark water.

My brother, cousin and I were all sitting in our camp chairs as we listened to the night sounds resonating softly against the gently moving Tennessee River, halfway between Decatur and Huntsville, Alabama. The day had been blistering hot, but at 9:00 in the evening, the temperature was pleasantly cooled by a Southeasterly breeze up from the Gulf of Mexico.

In order to thoroughly enjoy a night fishing experience such as ours, it is imperative that one follow a few simple rules designed to make an evening fishing trip pleasant.

Let there be light! This is a must for night time fishing. Bring your camp lantern or a set of construction lights that operate off the cigarette lighter in your car. Stumbling around in the dark on the banks of a river or lake can be hazardous to your health.

Make sure that you are able to tolerate your fishing companions during stretches of fishing inactivity. Usually the best fishing companions are those who keep their mouths shut and enjoy the serenity of silence; but they're hard to find.

With the advances in technology available today, it doesn't make sense not to bring along a cell phone. Leave it in the car or truck to use in case of an emergency. Don't be tempted to call someone simply to chat during a lull in the fishing action, unless you have just caught a whopper of a fish and want to brag a little to a friend.

Bring a good portable camp chair. Better still; a chaise lounge would be preferable for a relaxing evening. The only drawback to this is when reacting to a strike by a fish, it's difficult to extricate yourself from the chair fast enough to set the hook. It can be embarrassing to fall on your face while the catch of the night is swimming down the river with your rod and reel in tow.

You will need a cooler, filled with ice, soft drinks and water. My years of experience in leisure activities have taught me that river water and alcoholic beverages just do not mix, whether you are sitting on the bank or fishing from a boat. My advice is to leave them at home.

Nothing works up an appetite like sitting in the dark on the bank of a river, chatting with pleasurable company about anything that comes to mind. Usually though, talk is confined to old fish stories about the big ones caught and the giants that got away. It makes you hungry!

No one really wants a sandwich when they're fishing at night; they're hungry for something more stable, like hot dogs. Charcoal is a must for cooking hot dogs. Unless you've brought along a camp stove, hamburgers or steaks are more trouble than they're worth. Besides, the smell of catfish bait on your hands doesn't seem to linger on hot dogs the way it does on fresh meat.

Remember to bring the bug spray! Unless the wind is blowing gnats, mosquitoes and other flying insects away from you, insect repellent is a must!

Last on the list of necessary equipment to take on an evening fishing trip are rods, reels, sinkers and hooks. Cat fish seem to like stinky baits so that's what I use. When I was younger, I would fish with chicken liver, shad guts and any other bait that had been left out in the sun to ripen. Today I just go to one of the large tackle stores and buy prepackaged soft baits that smell just as bad as the ones I remember from my youth.

Fishing at night is fun. I've never claimed to be an expert in catching catfish, just an expert in fishing for them.

Bob Alexander is well experienced in outdoor cooking, fishing and leisure living. Bob is also the author and owner of this article. Visit his sites at:

[http://www.bluemarlinbob.com]

[http://www.redfishbob.com]

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Bob_Alexander/51033

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2653918

 

 

Catfishing Tips - How To Catch Catfish

Some great catfishing fishing tips here from expert fisherman Jim :)

Are you looking for something to do that can keep your mind off from the stressful situation at work?

Why not try the challenging and enjoying hobby of catfishing. So many people are already hooked into this activity. You can do it alone or with your friends and other family members. However, whether you are novice or an expert, you need some catfishing tips to guide you in order to get lots of catfish.

First of all, you need to give attention to your bait. Each specific type of catfish needs a different type of bait. They hunt food using smell and taste. So get something that is smelly and meaty. You can try anchovies, sardines and shrimps. Live or cut perch and shads, craw fish and night crawlers are also excellent baits that you can use together with chicken liver and hearts as well as the heart and liver of beef.

You may find it surprising but catfish are also lured into baits such as grasshoppers and hot dogs. Catfish are scavengers so they eat almost anything. After you have gathered your bait, it is important that you know where to go and catch catfish.

You should go to rivers, lakes and creeks as well as ponds. If you go to the creeks, stay near the mouth of the creek where it meets with the lakes. You should also go to places in the water that are cool and shady. Guided by this concept, you can submerge logs or tree stumps under the water so that they will get inside it. It would also be helpful if you look for them under rocks. The third tip concerns the best time to catch them. There is no problem if you go catfishing any time of the day.

However, since catfish like cold waters, they are usually plentiful at night. It is also during this time that you can get huge catfish. But word of caution is that you should not go catfishing during a full moon because it is difficult to catch them with the light. Lastly, you need to have the right size of hooks for the desired catfish you like to catch. Bigger hooks for bigger catfish and smaller hooks for smaller catfish are what's needed.

Catfishing needs patience and determination. Give a half an hour or more for them to take your bait. Then change places if you must because they can become tired of one place and move on. Catfishing is an enjoyable hobby. Armed with all these tips, you will surely enjoy your day fishing. Jim Lower is an expert fisherman. For more great information on catfishing tips visit [http://www.catfishingsecrets.org/] Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6154638

catfishing facts

Small Lakes And Big Bass

Here's a really good article, rammed full of great bass fishing tips and advice from bass fishing expert Ken McBroom :)

These days bass fishing is a wildly popular pastime with big boats and fancy reels along with more electronic gadgetry a common man can even learn to use. We do our best, however, to keep up with the onslaught of lures and lines, rods and reels. Sometimes these things can get in the way of fun and isn't that what we are out there for?

I have found over the years that small ponds whether it be an old farm pond or even just a water retention pond in the city these small bodies of water just might be something you want to add to your arsenal and leave a lot of the other things at home and just enjoy some good fishing with much less hassle.

Large impoundments all across America are seeing more and more pressure from anglers as well as boaters. These activities can really affect the fishing on any given lake. While these larger bodies of water are bombarded day in and day out the smaller lakes that dot the American landscape go unmolested. A little tough to use all that gadgetry on a 25 acre farm pond not to mention a 22 foot bass boat would seem a bit out of place that is if you could even get the boat on the pond.

Baits for small lakes can vary just like on a big lakes and a lot depends on the pressure that lake receives. Some small lakes get some pressure especially retention ponds in the city as many kids and grown-ups flock to anywhere that allows for fun in the outdoors. Bait selection in these ponds can be a bit trickier than one that is tucked away on the backside of a 200-acre farm and hasn't been fished in years.

If you visit a popular pond where there are lots of anglers you will notice that a couple baits stand out and these are usually spinners of all shapes, sizes and colors. These bass have been caught many times before and they know those spinners so my favorite bait for these small waters is a plastic worm. Plastic worms are the toughest to learn to fish with and most people just out to have a little fun are not going to take the time to even learn to use this bait so the bass have seen very few plastic baits in their lifetime. I assure you it makes a difference as it has been proven that bass can remember being stuck and what type of bait stuck them. Offer something new and your arm might just be tired at the end of the session.

Many ponds are fairly clear around its bank and offer little in the way of visible structure. Invisible structure on the bottom of the lake can be probed with the plastic worm, rigged Texas style, even without a boat and fish finder. Work the entire pond meticulously as you feel the logs and other bottom structure with the weedless bait and after a few trips you will know the bottom of that particular body of water like the back of your hand helping you locate and land many more fish.

Gadgetry and fancy reels do have their place on small waters as well as big as there is a product line now that targets small water anglers and it can add to the fun. A small boat with electric trolling motor is all you need to get around a small lake. Fish finders can come in handy too in plotting the makeup of a lake and locating either the fish themselves or structure where fish are likely to be. Trolling can also be a very effective way of catching bass in a small lake especially if you are new to that lake. Trolling can point out specific areas of the lake that, for whatever reason, hold fish and then you may want to target those sections and spend a little more time there and catch more fish.

Remember the world record bass came from a small lake in Georgia and the pending world record was caught from Dixon Lake, a 72 acre lake located in California. Bass can grow very large in small lakes as long as the forage is right so don't let the size of a lake fool you into thinking there are no fish in it because you never know, when that retention pond you drive by everyday and never see anyone fishing, might be home to the next world or state record. GOOD LUCK!

Check out my website for some fly fishing info
Authors website
http://www.ramblingangler.com/

https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Ken_Mcbroom/9607

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1189854

https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Ken_Mcbroom/9607
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1189854

These days bass fishing is a wildly popular pastime with big boats and fancy reels along with more electronic gadgetry a common man can even learn to use. We do our best, however, to keep up with the onslaught of lures and lines, rods and reels. Sometimes these things can get in the way of fun and isn't that what we are out there for?
I have found over the years that small ponds whether it be an old farm pond or even just a water retention pond in the city these small bodies of water just might be something you want to add to your arsenal and leave a lot of the other things at home and just enjoy some good fishing with much less hassle.
Large impoundments all across America are seeing more and more pressure from anglers as well as boaters. These activities can really affect the fishing on any given lake. While these larger bodies of water are bombarded day in and day out the smaller lakes that dot the American landscape go unmolested. A little tough to use all that gadgetry on a 25 acre farm pond not to mention a 22 foot bass boat would seem a bit out of place that is if you could even get the boat on the pond.
Baits for small lakes can vary just like on a big lakes and a lot depends on the pressure that lake receives. Some small lakes get some pressure especially retention ponds in the city as many kids and grown-ups flock to anywhere that allows for fun in the outdoors. Bait selection in these ponds can be a bit trickier than one that is tucked away on the backside of a 200-acre farm and hasn't been fished in years.
If you visit a popular pond where there are lots of anglers you will notice that a couple baits stand out and these are usually spinners of all shapes, sizes and colors. These bass have been caught many times before and they know those spinners so my favorite bait for these small waters is a plastic worm. Plastic worms are the toughest to learn to fish with and most people just out to have a little fun are not going to take the time to even learn to use this bait so the bass have seen very few plastic baits in their lifetime. I assure you it makes a difference as it has been proven that bass can remember being stuck and what type of bait stuck them. Offer something new and your arm might just be tired at the end of the session.
Many ponds are fairly clear around its bank and offer little in the way of visible structure. Invisible structure on the bottom of the lake can be probed with the plastic worm, rigged Texas style, even without a boat and fish finder. Work the entire pond meticulously as you feel the logs and other bottom structure with the weedless bait and after a few trips you will know the bottom of that particular body of water like the back of your hand helping you locate and land many more fish.
Gadgetry and fancy reels do have their place on small waters as well as big as there is a product line now that targets small water anglers and it can add to the fun. A small boat with electric trolling motor is all you need to get around a small lake. Fish finders can come in handy too in plotting the makeup of a lake and locating either the fish themselves or structure where fish are likely to be. Trolling can also be a very effective way of catching bass in a small lake especially if you are new to that lake. Trolling can point out specific areas of the lake that, for whatever reason, hold fish and then you may want to target those sections and spend a little more time there and catch more fish.
Remember the world record bass came from a small lake in Georgia and the pending world record was caught from Dixon Lake, a 72 acre lake located in California. Bass can grow very large in small lakes as long as the forage is right so don't let the size of a lake fool you into thinking there are no fish in it because you never know, when that retention pond you drive by everyday and never see anyone fishing, might be home to the next world or state record. GOOD LUCK!

Check out my website for some fly fishing info
Authors website

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1189854

These days bass fishing is a wildly popular pastime with big boats and fancy reels along with more electronic gadgetry a common man can even learn to use. We do our best, however, to keep up with the onslaught of lures and lines, rods and reels. Sometimes these things can get in the way of fun and isn't that what we are out there for?
I have found over the years that small ponds whether it be an old farm pond or even just a water retention pond in the city these small bodies of water just might be something you want to add to your arsenal and leave a lot of the other things at home and just enjoy some good fishing with much less hassle.
Large impoundments all across America are seeing more and more pressure from anglers as well as boaters. These activities can really affect the fishing on any given lake. While these larger bodies of water are bombarded day in and day out the smaller lakes that dot the American landscape go unmolested. A little tough to use all that gadgetry on a 25 acre farm pond not to mention a 22 foot bass boat would seem a bit out of place that is if you could even get the boat on the pond.
Baits for small lakes can vary just like on a big lakes and a lot depends on the pressure that lake receives. Some small lakes get some pressure especially retention ponds in the city as many kids and grown-ups flock to anywhere that allows for fun in the outdoors. Bait selection in these ponds can be a bit trickier than one that is tucked away on the backside of a 200-acre farm and hasn't been fished in years.
If you visit a popular pond where there are lots of anglers you will notice that a couple baits stand out and these are usually spinners of all shapes, sizes and colors. These bass have been caught many times before and they know those spinners so my favorite bait for these small waters is a plastic worm. Plastic worms are the toughest to learn to fish with and most people just out to have a little fun are not going to take the time to even learn to use this bait so the bass have seen very few plastic baits in their lifetime. I assure you it makes a difference as it has been proven that bass can remember being stuck and what type of bait stuck them. Offer something new and your arm might just be tired at the end of the session.
Many ponds are fairly clear around its bank and offer little in the way of visible structure. Invisible structure on the bottom of the lake can be probed with the plastic worm, rigged Texas style, even without a boat and fish finder. Work the entire pond meticulously as you feel the logs and other bottom structure with the weedless bait and after a few trips you will know the bottom of that particular body of water like the back of your hand helping you locate and land many more fish.
Gadgetry and fancy reels do have their place on small waters as well as big as there is a product line now that targets small water anglers and it can add to the fun. A small boat with electric trolling motor is all you need to get around a small lake. Fish finders can come in handy too in plotting the makeup of a lake and locating either the fish themselves or structure where fish are likely to be. Trolling can also be a very effective way of catching bass in a small lake especially if you are new to that lake. Trolling can point out specific areas of the lake that, for whatever reason, hold fish and then you may want to target those sections and spend a little more time there and catch more fish.
Remember the world record bass came from a small lake in Georgia and the pending world record was caught from Dixon Lake, a 72 acre lake located in California. Bass can grow very large in small lakes as long as the forage is right so don't let the size of a lake fool you into thinking there are no fish in it because you never know, when that retention pond you drive by everyday and never see anyone fishing, might be home to the next world or state record. GOOD LUCK!

Check out my website for some fly fishing info
Authors website

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1189854

These days bass fishing is a wildly popular pastime with big boats and fancy reels along with more electronic gadgetry a common man can even learn to use. We do our best, however, to keep up with the onslaught of lures and lines, rods and reels. Sometimes these things can get in the way of fun and isn't that what we are out there for?
I have found over the years that small ponds whether it be an old farm pond or even just a water retention pond in the city these small bodies of water just might be something you want to add to your arsenal and leave a lot of the other things at home and just enjoy some good fishing with much less hassle.
Large impoundments all across America are seeing more and more pressure from anglers as well as boaters. These activities can really affect the fishing on any given lake. While these larger bodies of water are bombarded day in and day out the smaller lakes that dot the American landscape go unmolested. A little tough to use all that gadgetry on a 25 acre farm pond not to mention a 22 foot bass boat would seem a bit out of place that is if you could even get the boat on the pond.
Baits for small lakes can vary just like on a big lakes and a lot depends on the pressure that lake receives. Some small lakes get some pressure especially retention ponds in the city as many kids and grown-ups flock to anywhere that allows for fun in the outdoors. Bait selection in these ponds can be a bit trickier than one that is tucked away on the backside of a 200-acre farm and hasn't been fished in years.
If you visit a popular pond where there are lots of anglers you will notice that a couple baits stand out and these are usually spinners of all shapes, sizes and colors. These bass have been caught many times before and they know those spinners so my favorite bait for these small waters is a plastic worm. Plastic worms are the toughest to learn to fish with and most people just out to have a little fun are not going to take the time to even learn to use this bait so the bass have seen very few plastic baits in their lifetime. I assure you it makes a difference as it has been proven that bass can remember being stuck and what type of bait stuck them. Offer something new and your arm might just be tired at the end of the session.
Many ponds are fairly clear around its bank and offer little in the way of visible structure. Invisible structure on the bottom of the lake can be probed with the plastic worm, rigged Texas style, even without a boat and fish finder. Work the entire pond meticulously as you feel the logs and other bottom structure with the weedless bait and after a few trips you will know the bottom of that particular body of water like the back of your hand helping you locate and land many more fish.
Gadgetry and fancy reels do have their place on small waters as well as big as there is a product line now that targets small water anglers and it can add to the fun. A small boat with electric trolling motor is all you need to get around a small lake. Fish finders can come in handy too in plotting the makeup of a lake and locating either the fish themselves or structure where fish are likely to be. Trolling can also be a very effective way of catching bass in a small lake especially if you are new to that lake. Trolling can point out specific areas of the lake that, for whatever reason, hold fish and then you may want to target those sections and spend a little more time there and catch more fish.
Remember the world record bass came from a small lake in Georgia and the pending world record was caught from Dixon Lake, a 72 acre lake located in California. Bass can grow very large in small lakes as long as the forage is right so don't let the size of a lake fool you into thinking there are no fish in it because you never know, when that retention pond you drive by everyday and never see anyone fishing, might be home to the next world or state record. GOOD LUCK!

Check out my website for some fly fishing info
Authors website

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1189854

Bait for Catfishing

 Here's a great fishing article for all you catfishing experts, this one covers the bait need to catch those extra special catfish, the ones that will make you the envy of all your fishing buddies!

Whenever possible, one of my favorite things is to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and head off fishing. Growing up with brothers provided ample of family time together, often egging each other on to see who would catch the biggest fish of the day and which bait for catfishing was used.
The bait for catfishing often become a big debate and competition in our household, especially when it came to who would lure the big one in. My grandfather always out to prove his philosophy, believed that the best catfishing bait was "natural & alive" - like perch, crawfish or shad, frogs or worms. He preferred using the garden style of worms as he could find them pretty easy himself. He would also sometimes use minnows or grasshoppers and the odd bit of stink bait. He taught us that the catfish possessed a strong sense of smell and using a smelly live bait he would proudly lure them in.

Now my father, however, being a somewhat rebel and always up for the challenge to fish out my granddad, was always experimenting and creating bait for catfishing. He taught us that catfish were mainly scavenger eaters and would just about eat anything long as they didn't have to travel too far to get it. He would try experimenting with formulas that entailed different combinations from chicken livers, Cheerios, cheese, peanut butter, flour and fish oil or guts. He would take this well mixed up concoction and then freeze it for a couple of days, saying that was part of his "secret sauce" in luring. Depending upon the "formula" some would need a bread wrapped over after being applied to the lure. Especially if he was trying a simple bait technique of marshmallows or a few pieces of corn stuck on the end of each treble hook, with peanut butter to "glue" the bread. He believed that the sweet smell of the corn would work its magic.
We'd head off for a catfishing fest, with various buckets & boxes of live bait and the cooler packed full of homemade bait combinations and spend the day test fishing with the different variations, hopeful of winning. Sometimes my granddad would win out that day and other times my Dad won. The catfish won too, as we always put them back after the inspection and bragging rights. All in all, it provided a lot of fun family memories & planted the seed of pursuit to continually find that perfect bait for catfishing.

More debate on bait for catfishing and fishing shenanigans in general at the website, Bait for Catfishing

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Reg_Goodman

Fishing how to

Fishing Secrets: Florida Canals

Fishing Secrets: Florida Canals

Fishing Secret #1
Fishing the Florida canals are absolutely gold mines within a couple mile radius of where you live.
Most canals are over looked for the more popular lakes. Or they aren’t accessible or private. I have found that these very canals deserve a second look. I’ve caught all my big bass in these local overlooked canals. Most people end up spending half the day getting to the place, fighting the traffic or compete for a fishing spot since everyone else is there. You also spend a bunch more money for this mini vacation, fish all day and maybe catch nothing!
The easiest method of accessing these canals is to simply walk to them. Carry your fishing pole and a few choice lures. Keep it simple. Work your banks, find the hidden spots. Remember there has been hardly any fishing pressure so expect to see action. Walk slow tossing your bait and be ready.
A real fun time and easy to put together is using a canoe. Just toss it on the vehicle and away you go.
Canoes are great. They are quiet in the water and allowed to be in all bodies of water. Some canals and lakes are “non-motor” use due to aquifer drinking water rules. Canoes are light and easy to move around. They allow you to bring more equipment and paddle to remote parts of the waterway.
Of course if you have a motor boat and some canals have boat ramps. You can enjoy both longer drives to untouched fishing paradise and expect a fine fishing day.
Canals that run along the interstates and turnpikes are phenomenal places to explore. Drive into neighbor hoods with canals. Locate the hidden treasures of pristine fishing secrets. If canals have lakes attached to them be ready for an explosive fishing secret experience. These combo lake and canal places are excellent because fish love where the water flows and bait fish hanging around these places. Golf courses are real fishing secrets. Be respectful when walking on the greens reaching these lakes. Not all golf courses have picky security out there. I have fished while people are playing. Just be quiet and respectful. Let them go first and have fun fishing.
I like to have at least two fishing poles, handful of favorite lures. I set up one with a top water lure and the other with a plastic worm. Working the banks and points slowly will produce bites. Remember to always release your catch.
Catch and Release is the practice of releasing your catch back to the water. This is a MUST if we want to experience the joys of fishing. By releasing the fish back to the waters we assure our future days and our grandchildren’s grandchildren the same opportunity to experience this for themselves.
It’s a real gold mine within arm’s reach. Take the time to explore your local canals. These canals won’t let you down.
Happy Fishing Days!!
By: Edward G. @ www.thankyoudollar.org [Http://www.thankyoudollar.org] click fishing tab.

Edward Gonzalez, home owner builder, fishing 25 yrs, self employed,

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Edward_Gonzalez

Online Fishing Course

Tips For Choosing an Experienced Fishing Guide

I've been fortunate to go on a few guided fishing trips in my life. Some have been the best times I've spend on the water while others were just short of nightmares. I guess you could say that I've learned how to pick good fishing Guides and which ones to avoid.
I'm going to give you a few tips on how to choose your next fishing Guide.
For starters, check the state regulations in the state you'll be fishing. Some states require fishing guides to be licensed, others do not. If the state requires that the guide be licensed make sure they are. Get a copy of their license number and check with the state to see if there have been any complaints against the guide. I know this may sound obvious, but make sure the number they give you actually matches the name the state has in its database. You'd be surprised at how many so called licensed fishing guides are not licensed at all.
Also, some states require these people to have general liability insurance. If the state you'll be fishing in requires this of the Guide, then check and make sure they have it.
Another thing you'll want to check is to see if they have completed a Red Cross First Aid course. All guides should do this out of courtesy to their Clients.
You can sometimes get good recommendations from online Fishing forums. Especially those that are state specific or species specific. Ask around about the Guide you're wanting to hire. They may or may not have a history locally. I once came very close to hiring a fishing guide on Lake Eufaula in Oklahoma. Luckily I asked around on the forums and several people told me that she had just moved to the area a few months before and hung her sign out. I politely canceled my trip and booked with an experienced fishing Guide.
It only takes a little time to research the guide you want to hire. Just make sure you do your due diligence before hiring one!
And while I'm at it, I might as well say that even the best fishermen have bad days. If you don't catch any fish, don't think that it was your guides fault. If you've fished any at all, you can tell if a person knows what he or she is doing. Also, don't forget to tip. Even if you didn't catch many fish, if you had a good time, tip and tip good.

Billy Bob lives in Louisiana and considers hunting and fishing the only sport for real men. When he's not paddling his pirot through the swamps hunting gators and fishing. When he travels North to visit his kids in Oklahoma, he always makes it a point to take a day off and go fishing with his favorite Lake Eufaula fishing guide for a fun time and a full cooler of Crappie.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Billy_Bob_Desrouleaux

Fall Bass Fishing - How Seasons Make No Difference To Fishers

It is the outdoors that makes man feels the nature and its splendid instincts. Man being grown in the surroundings of the suburban haven and the high rises he just cant ignore the winds call.
The growth in the civilization which has made the hunt for foods easier through the stores and marts, the fun and interest for man lies on hunting his own food that has not faded his interests on nature. From being a necessity, fishing has become a personal hobby and then to a sport with challenges quenching the thirst of many. Fishermen have become sportsmen.
The development evidently shows diversity. From fishing being a sport and fishes being a food necessary for our daily lives, fishing has become a sport which the anglers are fonder of. Such a transformation has taken place as time passed by. The fun in bass fishing cannot be compared with any other sport in the world. No other sport gives so much satisfaction as bass fishing. It is the best hobby for the lovers of this sport. It is liked by so many people irrespective of age-old or young. Though bass fishing has certain complications and barriers people does not consider any of those.
The fascination on bass fishing is not seasonal and waters fall does not stop. The climate is never a barrier for the fishermen, be it hot or cold, they remain desperate to gear up. Those who understand the essence of bass fishing remains passionate and their interest never fades. Age is not at all a problem for the game of bass fishing. Once you get attracted to the game the fascination never fades. The pleasure makes you leave the place with trophy fish. As aforesaid, the anglers disregard the weather conditions. The anglers consider the game of bass fishing a huge competition between them. The anglers compete among themselves on who catches the biggest fish and that gives them satisfaction and brings them honor. Individuals mainly look for it. The trophy fish is the bass fish, it is so called as the ability to fight is tested at time of catching. It has too much capability to grow. The huge size of it does require loitering in the blue deep sea. These bass fishes are fresh water fishes.
There is no need for high rentals to be paid for the boats. Bass Fishing can be done n fall too, as it is freshwaters.
The important and most significant tip on succeeding in bass fishing should be noted. The tips are with regard to the weather conditions. This is an important aspect of bass fishing. Therefore, it is better to wind up the place when a storm strikes or a rude climatic change occurs. The temperature is to be noticed when you decide to bass fish because; cool temperatures are preferred for fishing. Mornings and evenings are the best times for bass fishing. There can surely be a big catch if bass fishing is done on right time. During cooler times fall bass fishing is the best thing to do because, cooler and lower the temperatures, the better the fishes are caught. For example Northern California is best known for bass fishing. It is in abundance there. It usually took place in the Sacramento River during the fall salmon run. Later it seems the season looks awesome and it takes so many years to appear again.
The reason all want to do bass fishing during this season is this and this season comes only once in a year. If your one good competitor who wants to win goals in this game, your target should be the big fishes. Track it and be a winner!

Abhishek is an avid Bass Fishing enthusiast and he has got some great Bass Fishing Secrets up his sleeve! Download his FREE 135 Pages Ebook, "How To Become A Bass Fishing Pro!" from his website http://www.Fishing-Masters.com/88/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Abhishek_Agarwal

Catfish Fishing Guide

Here's a good article with tips for catching catfish, when people decide to go catfish fishing, they sometimes neglect to research how to catch catfish, a good catfish fishing guide will help.


A Guide to Non-Typical Catfish Fishing Techniques

Introduction
Many of the people about to take one of my guided trips don’t believe that Catfish feed as aggressively as other game fish. People are used to throwing out their bait and letting it set while they wait. Some days this works and they don’t have to wait very long, but some days we all know that the wait can be very long. This waiting is what encouraged me to try to catch Blue Cats using other methods. Some techniques are passed down from generation to generation and these tried and true methods have caught Catfish since people have fished for them. I have used these methods most of my life and it was the way I was taught to catch Catfish. On the opposite end of the Cat-fishing spectrum, however, are two newer methods that I have been using to consistently catch Catfish, as well.
Fishing for Catfish
Ah, the American Catfish! The big three: Blues, Channel Cats and Flatheads; aren’t they a wonderful species of fish? Each one has its own outstanding features to thrill Catfishermen and women throughout the United States and even worldwide. Flatheads, with their big, wide heads and flat tails, have my vote as the hardest pulling fish pound-for-pound in fresh water. No Catfisherman can talk very long without telling their favorite Channel Cat story.
Channel Cats live almost anywhere in fresh water and eat an enormous variety of baits, from prepared stink baits to live baits. I believe these whisker fish are the most versatile and adaptive members of the Catfish family. The next Catfish member, the Blue Cat, also commonly called a White Cat, gets my pick for the best all around, year-round Catfish. This is also the fish I target with my non-typical Cat-fishing techniques. Although Channel Cats and Flatheads are caught using these techniques, Blue Cats remain the king in mass numbers. These dudes grow big and fast and will strike your bait with a vengeance. Plus, they pull hard in the Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall.

The Blue Catfish
The Blue Cat is truly an amazing fish. I have caught these fish as deep as 96 feet at the bottom of a river channel in cold water
conditions. I have also seen them come right up to the top and smash a school of shad just as a Striper or White Bass would do in warm water conditions. As far as I can tell, these fish feed aggressive all year, which in my opinion sets them apart from Flatheads and Channel Cats. Reports of Blues falling for lead spoons, jigs, crank baits, and many other artificial lures are not uncommon any time of the year. The other Blue Cat bonus is their size, growing much larger than Channel Cats and a smidge larger than Flatheads. That makes your chances of catching a Blue Cat over 20 pounds a big time reality. Fish over 50 pounds are not that hard to find in reservoirs and rivers that have had time to produce that size of Catfish.
These fish grow to be over 100 pounds - it’s the exception and not the rule, but it does happen. That’s the beauty in setting up and fishing for Blue Cats: your next fish might be 1 pound, 51 pounds, or 101 pounds.
Make sure to read Part 2 and 3 of this article to learn about Capt. Jeff's non-typical techniques!
Copyright © 2002-2005 Jeff Williams
You have permission to publish this article free of charge as long as you are not selling it and that you include the author bylines immediately visible with the article and, if published in an electronic medium such as on a web site, you provide a link back to http://www.ozark-lodges-fishing-trips.com in the author bylines, both where the web address is listed as well as well as with the text “Lake of the Ozarks Catfish Fishing Guide Service”...

Jeff Williams runs a Truman Lake Hybrid Bass and Lake of the Ozarks Catfish Fishing Guide Service offering lodging and guided trips in Missouri. To book a trip, learn more tips, or find out how Capt. Jeff would fish your own local waters, call 1-866-HOOKSET or visit http://www.ozark-lodges-fishing-trips.com today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Williams

catching catfish tips

Catfishing Secrets Revealed!

 I can't believe he's going to release this catfish fishing stuff...

My buddy Dan has just revealed some old catfish fishing secrets... and he's giving it away for free.

The only requirement is that you have to be a catfish fisherman, and he doesn't want you to share it with too many people.

This stuff is lethal for slamming catfish like nobody's business.

Just go here to get it:
http://www.oldschoolcatfishfishing.com/catfishfriends.html


He's only doing this because your on my catfish fishing newsletter, and Dan is a good friend of mine.

It's a good thing you're on my list, or you'd never see these deadly techniques...

http://www.oldschoolcatfishfishing.com/catfishfriends.html

Go there now, he's not going to leave this stuff up for long.

Have a good one.

Linhuck

Catfishing Secrets For The Summertime

Summertime Catfishing

The spring time spawn is over. Catfish are once again on the prowl in search of their next meal. The water temps have reached 75 or maybe 80 degrees. Days are hot and more suited for swimming and sipping on a chilly one but once the sun goes down and the air becomes bearable it is time to go on the prowl for your next line stretching adventure.
Summertime is a great time to night fish for catfish. Not only is it cooler but all the ski and jet boats have gone home leaving the lake to the angler as well as the catfish that move into the shallows under the cover of darkness. Too many people focus on deep water for catfishing in the summer. By deep I mean 5 to 10 feet of water. You will find fish at these depths but usually they are moving to the shallow shorelines and eat your bait along the way. If you want to increase your success try moving closer to the shoreline and working depths of 1 to 3 feet of water. This article will focus on the common channel catfish.
Stink baits are probably the most common bait used for channel catfish. They work and if it is numbers you are after stink baits work great. I stay away from stink baits mainly because they stink and my wife just can not handle the smell that lingers after a night with that stuff on my hands so I have found that stink baits work but other baits are just as easy to come by and smell way better. More importantly they work just as well.

One such bait that has stood the test of time is chicken livers. Again, great bait and can help you fill the cooler with pan size channels with an occasional fatty. One way I have found to increase my hook ups and reduce those bites that take off like a rocket, only to be dropped before you can react, is the hook only setup. I use a single bait holder hook 1/0 or 2/0 and connect it to 10 pound test fluorescent line. No weight is added to the rig and this is key. You need a spinning reel or a spin cast reel to be able to cast the fragile livers this way but it will increase your hook up percentage. Fresh livers that have never been frozen will stay on your hook much better than frozen livers. Fresh livers may be hard to find but they are out there and once you find a store that sells them you will go back for more as the livers are so much easier to deal with.
In the meantime as you search for those fresh livers there are ways to help keep livers on your hook. One way is with common sewing thread. Break off a piece of thread about 8 inches long. Lay one end of the thread on the liver. The thread will kind of cling to the liver and allow you to wrap the thread around and around the liver. Make sure to bring the thread over the inside belly of the hook. Try looping the thread, as you come around, over loose strands of liver to create a nice tight little ball of liver. There are other methods but this one works so well I have never tried any other way. Use a black light with the fluorescent line to detect a bite and detecting a bite is not difficult with this setup I promise. With just the resistance of the line the channel catfish will hang on longer and have no problem swallowing the liver. Use the best low cost hook you can find and bring a bunch so you can just cut the line and leave the hook inside, just be careful when you clean them, if that is your intentions. Leaving the hook comes in handy because when the bite is on you don't want to take the time to dig a swallowed hook from a catfish's gullet.
If it is larger channel catfish you are after then fresh fish is the go to bait. When a channel catfish reaches more than a couple pounds it begins to seek food a little higher in protein. Where you might find dozens of small channels like shallow flats and mud shores you might find it void of any good size channels and that is because, while still not a true predator the larger channel catfish become a little more of a loner and more of a predator than smaller channels. Live bluegills where legal and live shad work great. I usually just fillet the bluegill and shad. I first scale the bluegill. I believe that this allows more smell into the water as well as a more tender bait which allows for a better hook set.
Look for some structure for the bigger channels like big boulders or large brush piles or fallen trees. Toss your fresh meat just outside this structure. They will come out and get it but don't make them travel too far just in case it don't want to. Move the bait around the structure. I usually soak my bait 5 to 10 minutes before moving it, sometimes only a few feet. After about 15 to 30 minutes I will look for another spot. I am looking for the feeders and a hungry channel catfish would have already found your bait in that amount of time.
When targeting larger channel catfish you will want to go with some larger tackle. I start with a baitcasting rig spooled with at least 20 pound test line on a Med. Heavy to Heavy rod. You need the power to move the fish away from the thick brush or sharp rocks. Anyone who has caught a channel catfish larger than three pounds know how hard these fish can fight and when they start the channel cat roll you best have heavy gear. I use an egg sinker rig above and leave slack in my line so I can see the fish running with the line. You seldom have to worry about the fish coming toward you if you are fishing heavy cover during the day because the channel catfish is going to head back to his home in that cover. So be ready and set the hook ready to horse the fish away from the heavy cover. Once the channel catfish is away from the cover then you can take it easy and play it to the boat.
I hope this article has given you a few ideas for catching some channel catfish. I know these techniques have helped me over the years and should do the same for you. Keep experimenting and you will find some tricks of your own that will help you enjoy some great outings with the family in pursuit of a great fish that provides fun as well as some delicious table fare as well.
Good Luck!

Check out my website for more fishing info and catfishing gear
Authors website
http://www.ramblingangler.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ken_Mcbroom

Here's some really good catfishing information, covering catfish baits, weather and a lot more.


Catfishing - Important Information You Should Know

Knowing what to use and where is key in catfishing. The specific bait and where you are fishing it is vital. Other determing factors in your success will be the weather and at what time you are fishing. If it is hot, chances are the bite is going to be slow. The early morning and evening hours are most notably the best time to catch catfish.
The most commonly sought after catfish in the United States is the Channel Cat. They are regularly caught in most bodies of water. Rivers, lakes and ponds are literally full of them.
The most popular bait for Channels is worms, or more specifically, nightcrawlers. Channels bite better when it's cool outside, but usually can be caught at most times of the day depending on where you are fishing, and with what bait.
Other popular baits include, liver, shad, guts or sides, and prepared dough baits. The most rank of baits will usually get you results with Channel Cats. They are avid feeders on just about everything. They tend to feed more heavily during or after heavy rain. Places that have inflow after a rain are really good for catching Channels, as there are things washing in that they feed on. If you know a body of water with a river or creek running into a pond or lake, this can be an excellent place to catch them after it rains.
The Flathead catfish is another highly sought after fish. They are mainly fished because of their sheer size. Trophy Flatheads of 80 pounds or more are known to be caught. They are a little bit more of a challenge, because they are regarded as nocturnal predators. Meaning, they feed at night mostly on live bait. Perch, goldfish and shad are some of the best baits to use when going after Flatheads. Limb and trotling are the more traditional methods, but pole fishing has been making an upward climb as of late.

Every catfishermen wants one of those trophy Flatheads. Flatheads are also know to reside in hard to reach places, such as in logjams, or a body of water that isn't easily accessed. They are also very territorial, meaning they like to stay mostly in one spot, but are known to travel up to a mile at night when feeding. Your best bet at catching one of the brutes is to find a logjam or some type of obstruction, and wait until the evening and nighttime hours to go after one of these fish.
Blue Cat or aka the White Cat is the most heavily commercially fished of the catfish species in the United States. They are loved by fishermen because of their size, raw power, and active feeding habits. It is not uncommon for them to feed three or four times a day, and another two or three times a night. They prefer deep water as opposed to shallow, and running water is usually a plus. The most popular baits for Blue Cats are shad, cutbaits and perch. Notably the most preferred bait is taking a shad and cutting it into "chunks". The scent from the opened and bleeding shad attract Blue Cats quite well. They usually are caught in deep water in the daytime. At night they can be caught just about anywhere, but shallow water with cut shad, or a live bait will usually yield you results. It is not uncommon for Blue Cats to get to over eighty pounds in weight. The record set last year was over 120 pounds.
Bullheads are another type of catfish in North America. They are mainly fished because of their tasty meat. They can be caught in almost any type of farm pond. A popular bait for Bullheads are nightcrawlers. Usually when you catch one Bullhead, chances are you will catch more there. You can regularly catch them in the late afternoon hours. On an overcast day with worms, will usually get you good results, depending on whether the location you are at has Bullheads.

------------------------------------------------------- Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Fishing ------------------------------------------------------- Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Catfish Fishing Secrets

A really good article below giving the top 3 catfishing secret techniques, that are used by the pros!

The Top 3 Catfishing Secret Techniques

Just by doing a little research, you'll see that there are just as many specific fishing methods, and there's people giving you all kinds of advice on what's the best method to catch catfish. But after long talks with many enthusiastic fishermen, I picked up the top 3 methods to catch the big ones: drift fishing, jug lining, and slip weight.

Drift fishing

Drift fishing is one of the best methods for catching catfish, mainly in streams or rivers. All you have to do is go out in your boat, stop the engine and let the wind carry you down the stream. When you get a bite, just pull in the line, and that's all you have to do.

In most cases, vertical fishing methods are best for catching cats because they like to hang out deep down in the bottom, especially the big flatheads and blues. But, during the summers when the water is warm, there isn't enough oxygen at the bottom and they'll come up looking for food. Besides, in a river or stream you're likely to find many rocks and things down there, so it can be hard to catch them in the deeper water.

The best places to drop your sinker are to be found anywhere there's a block in the water. This is because the catfish don't struggle with the current when they're looking for food, so you'll be finding them where the water isn't moving a lot. So, find places where the water is relatively still to cast your line, like just below a dam.

One good idea is to put out more than one line and bounce them at the bottom. Put sinker down until it hits something, then drag it up and move it around, and this way you will attract those cats feeding down there. You have to get a feel for how much you want to move around. Drift fishing for cats is more fun than standing still and waiting for them to come along, mainly in the summer season when the cats are coming closer to the surface to look for food.

Jug lining

This is a technique where you string a line across the water with hooks at different intervals hanging down. Although you can catch catfish jug lining any time of year, it actually works best during springtime, when the water is just starting to warm up.

The best way to jug line for catfish is to use an "anchored jug line", that is attaching weights to the bottoms of your lines and these weights hold your bait still. You can use almost anything as weight, as long as you can attach it and keep the line in place. And how much weight you should use it depends on current conditions, but usually it's better to be too heavy than too light.

A good method for jug lining is preparing many small lines, each with only about 3 hooks, so that you can cover different parts of the river, stream or lake where catfish might be looking for food. Jug lining is a great way to catch the big ones, but you have to know the rules before you lay out your lines.

Slip weight

Usually, catfish like to stay at the bottom of the lakes or rivers and this is why using a slip weight rig is a practical way to catch them. A slip weight rig is where you set out a line with more than one hook that will go down there. You put a weight to the end as it helps you gain control over the level of the hooks. The great thing about it is that you can catch fish hanging around at different depths.

A slip weight rig is best used at night when the catfish are coming up to the surface looking for food. One of the reasons why slip weight rigging is so cool is that the fish can't actually feel the weight of your line. The secret here is to keep the weight heavy and the line tight.

These are the top 3 most successful techniques of catching catfish, but sure there may be others out there, just as many anglers. In the end, it all depends on whom you ask. Check out these ways of catching catfish and see which one suit you best.

Tony Brian is a freelance writer for outdoor sports magazines and a contributing writer for bob long paintball markers specializing in cat fishing, drift fishing and dye paintball markers

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_Brian

Tips for catching catfish

Here's a good article with tips for catching catfish, when people decide to go catfish fishing, they sometimes neglect to research how to catch catfish, well, hopefully these catfish fishing tips will help.

Catfish Fishing Tips

I have done much catfish fishing and it's a way of life for a lot of fishermen. For me fishing is very relaxing and an exciting day away from it all.
First of all, I have found that during midday catfish fishing is terrible because it’s to hot for me. So I don’t go fishing during midday anymore. The best time for catching small to medium size catfish during the summer months in most Southern California lakes is about 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, using shrimp and cut mackerel are excellent choices, but if you don’t get a bite here and there, you should change your bait about every five minutes are so.

For morning catfish fishing, I like to start at 6:00 am to 10:00 am; this seems to be a very active time for catfish. I start off with this rig I use a size 6 hook with night crawlers. Catfish fishing from the shore line is always good to fish in spots close to rocks and reeds. So before you get started check out the area for those spots.

Once you’ve found your fishing spot, and have your rig in place, its time to get started. Cast from the shore line about 20 to 40 feet this is about the average anyway, and slowly reel in your line. Movement is the key here, night crawlers will move on their on to help you get the catfishes attention. I call this dragging, make sure you have a bobber on your line to keep your rig off the lake bottom; this will help prevent your rig from getting caught on rocks or some other form of debris.

If you don’t get any bites after your first half hour of fishing, it’s time to try a different area. Sometime people get to comfortable and just stay in one spot, that’s not very good if you’re planning on catching some catfish. You have to be active and move around just like the fish you are trying to catch.

Catfish fishing in the spring time is the best time for catching the big catfish. You will need heavy tackle, because these fish can grow very large 50 pound or more and they will put up a very good fight. So 30 pound line, 7ft. rod heavy and a spinner reel is what you should be using. Use large hooks and large pieces of cut bait.

Start fishing off the points of the lake. A point is a strip of land that sticks out into the lake. A point will usually have a steep drop off that is wear the lake bottom gets deep. Big catfish will always be in deeper water than small or medium size catfish. Try using heavy chum like dough balls seasoned with garlic for scent. Dough will sink to the bottom very fast which will attract the big catfish to the area you are fishing. Now sit back and wait, but be ready because when the big catfish strike the baited hook, make sure you have a firm grip on your rod, are you will loose it. Your fishing success will depend on your ability to find concentrations of fish. So good luck, and enjoy your self!

Kim Carson has fished in Southern California lakes for 20 years. For more fishing tips visit: http://www.carsonaffiliatemarketing.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kim_C_Carson

Walleye fishing secret

Top 7 Unconventional River Walleye Fishing Tips

1. Do Follow the Masses

Words travel fast about hot fishing spots and soon the masses hear about it and you'll find that each weekend more and more boats are fishing in that particular walleye fishing hot spot. If you are fishing "new" waters, don't be afraid to muscle yourself into the action.

2. Check out the landscape

Look for long stretches of beach/river front that are shallow with a sudden drop off. Daytime walleye fishing is best in these drop off areas. Don't be afraid to move into very deep cold waters to find your walleye.

3. Do Give Night Walleye Fishing a try

This ties into our number 2 unconventional walleye fishing tips. I like to find that long stretch of beach that has a drop off and a shallow 10 ft or less area that has a weed bed close to shore. This 10 ft. area needs to be at least 50 yards wide. The simple reason for this area is because the walleye sit in the drop offs during the day and at night they go hunting for food and they don't have to travel far to find it.

4. Tube Baits Work

I can't even begin to tell you how many times we were out fishing for bass in deeper waters and we end up catching a walleye. Walleye eat just about anything in the summer and tube baits should be used when your worm harnesses don't work. Changing presentations in known walleye waters need to include tube baits.

5. Leader Length is important

Fishing river walleye normally includes bottom bouncers. It is the number one walleye rig on the Columbia River after March. If your walleye waters are murky then you don't need a very long leader. If the water is clear, you need to get that walleye harness back further behind your bottom walker.

6. Bobber Fishing for Walleye

Greatly influenced by steelhead fisherman, fishing with bobbers is picking up momentum. Once you figure out the depth of the river where walleye are holding, nothing works better than a worm presentation without all the distractions of a walleye harness. Any type of invisible fishing line works best because the only thing the fish will see is a worm tumbling downstream.

7. Run Crankbaits in Deep Waters

Many a fisherman thinks that a crankbait can only be fished at the depth of the manufacturers specifications. When we troll upstream for walleye and we are fishing a deep drift in the river, we'll slip on some weights about 4 feet above the crankbait so we can reach depths below 30 feet. When I first tried this method I simply attached a leader on a bottom walker and tied on my crankbait.

These Top 7 Unconventional River Walleye Fishing Tips work or I wouldn't be sharing them with you. The next time you are out on the river, don't be afraid to give these a try, especially when you are close to limiting out. I know a lot of you probably "catch and release" and many rivers have a size limit. This makes testing new methods easier, but make sure you have had some success catching fish, first. I hate it when friends tell me a certain method sucks when they didn't try it until they were about ready to go home skunked again.

Looking for other tips and tricks to catching more walleye? Visit River Walleye Fishing for more fascinating tricks to catching more walleye and don't forget to download your free copy of Walleye Fishing Hot Spots in Canada and in the United States.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bob_Alter

walleye fishing secret, walleye fishing techniques, walleye fishing tips,

Get Hooked on Large Mouth Bass

Bass fishing is one of the most popular sports in America. Fisherman, from all over the world, travel to various parts of the USA with the aim of hooking a large mouth bass. This freshwater fish is the largest of the black basses. They are noted for the excitement of their fight and will often become airborne in the process.

Whether an experienced angler or a novice, we are always looking for ways to improve our chances of landing one of these prized species. The fishing guide, Large Mouth Bass Extreme, promises not only to improve your skills but guarantees you will have a successful large mouth bass fishing experience on your very next angling adventure.

This guide, provides all the tools needed in a detailed and concise manner. It is easy to read and follow the instructions which include choosing the right gear, finding the perfect fishing location, and what time of year in various parts of the country offers the best large mouth bass fishing opportunity.

The guide also reveals highly guarded secrets that the pros don't want you to know. Not only does it expose top secret pro-bass fishing techniques and almost take the "sport" out of bass fishing but also supplies you with bonus packages. It offers bonus software and the ability to be interactive with the internet which allows you to visualize what is being taught in this guide.

Some of the bonus books and software are:

• The Ultimate Knot Tying Guide
• Bass Fishing Topography Software
• Pro Bass Fishing Demo
• Bass Fishing Time of Day Calculator
• Fishing Expert Advice Software
• Bass Tourney Demo
• Large mouth and Small mouth Bass Weight Estimator
• Bass Fishing Calendar

By using the fishing methods and techniques revealed in this guide your fishing buddies will wonder what you are using to attract all these large mouth bass. Do not risk being thrown overboard by not revealing your secret. Share this guide with them.

Do you like Bass fishing? Then you can get your ultimate bass fishing guide here Beginner Fly Fishing as well as here Largemouth Bass Extreme

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Swanson

fishing tackle equipment

The Fish Don't Care What You Wear

The fish don’t care what you wear. Waders, vests and hats for fishermen are necessities to brave the elements.

Waders are a must if you are planning any surfcasting or stream wading. And what you need to know about waders, no matter how much you spend for them, they will eventually leak and new waders must be replaced.

Love to fish in the streams during the summer? Rivers are low running and are not deep; so hip waders are perfect. Why heat up in chest waders when hip waders will suffice. On the other hand, those one-piece chest-high waders are a necessity for surfcasting. Irritating sand or pea gravel cannot wedge their way into your boots.

Alternatives to chest waders are the stocking-foot waders. Stocking-foot waders are also chest-high, but anglers will require wading shoes or boots. Some anglers favor wading shoes or boots as they give added support and traction while fishing all day.

It is difficult to imagine fishing without vests. Vests are invaluable as they contain many pockets to hold such items as expensive flies or lures as well as your bug repellant. But ensure that the pockets open from the top and not the side so not to lose those valuable flies or lures. Not to imagine losing your car key.

And lastly, don’t forget your fishing hat and sunglasses. You certainly do not want to get sunstroke in the hot sun as well; fishing hats shield your head from the rain. Furthermore, hats and sunglasses will protect your eyes from glaring sunlight and you can see what the fish are up to when the sun is setting in the sky. Which in fact, is the most opportune time of the day to catch that big one.

Catherine Kenyeres is the successful publisher and author for http://www.best-4u-fishing-equipment.com. Catherine Kenyeres has written numerous informative articles for the fishing enthusiast.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Catherine_Kenyeres