Category Archives: Fishing Strategies

Fishing Strategies

Tips to Help You Learn How to Bass Fish

When you want to learn how to fish bass, the first thing you need is the right equipment. This doesn’t mean you have to stock up on different kinds of rods or purchase a large selection of lures. You have to learn the technique of the sport first. Beginners should start with one spinning rod and one casting rod. Both of these should be 5 or 6 feet in length, be if medium stiff material and in the mid-price range of rods. If you ask the dealer at the store, he/she will be glad to point you in the right direction for both the rod and the reel that best suits the rid you choose.

 

There are some things you have to learn before you cast out for the first time. This involves attaching the reel to the rod. When you attach the reel, lay the rod across your open hand. If it is attached properly, the rod should balance. This is important for your cast because if the rod and reel are not balanced, your cast will go to either the left or the right of where you want it to go. Casting out with an unbalanced rod will also make your wrist very sore.

 

Practice casting out using a lure but don’t use a hook. You can easily do this in a small pond or even in your backyard. Without the hook, you won’t get the line tangled in anything. The best line to use is 10-pound test monofilament line. It is very fine, yet strong enough to withstand the fight of the bass and any tangles in vegetation.

 

The types of lures available are mind-boggling. When choosing lures, you have to consider the situations in which you will use them. The most common are spinners, deep divers and plastic worms. For bass fishing you will also need crankbaits that closely resemble the type of food that bass eat, such as perch, sunfish, shad, minnow and carp. Noisy baits are best when fishing in the early morning or late in the evening. These are usually buzz baits, which are spinners with yellow or white skirt. You should also have a floating lure that you can twitch a little, retrieve, stop and repeat the actions.  You also need a tackle box in which you keep all this bass fishing gear.

 

If you fish off a dock, the best type of lure to use is a Texas rig. When you start to retrieve, do so very slowly. Lift the tip of your rod each time, but keep the line tight in your free hand so that you can feel the tug on the line when the bass bites.

 

Fishing bass is a learning experience in which you have to be very observant of the conditions of the lake and water. You should also learn about the bass itself so you can learn about its feeding habits and times when it will be inactive. When fishing a lake, divide it into sections and fish each one separately until you find out where the bass are located.

For more information on how to bass fish,lots of bass fishing techniques and bass fishing tips and tricks visit http://www.BassFishingTechniques.net

Fishing Strategies

How to Play and Land Your Fish (part Two – Setting the Hook)

Now, you really can’t hope to land any sort of decent fish unless you’ve set the hook properly. As a general rule, it’s better to wait a little rather than set the hook too soon.

When you are ready to set the hook, bring in all the slack line, bring the rod tip down and point towards the fish, or where you think it’s likely to be if you can’t actually see. Bring the rod up sharply, and the chances are that you’ve hooked your fish.

Of course, that’s neccesarily a very simple, basic description. Setting the hook consistently does require a certain knack, which comes only with experience and practice. Some species, those that grab your lure and run, are easy to hook, almost to the point of self-hooking. Others, which suck and nibble, can be a problem.

Catfish for example will have a few chews, then swallow your bait down. Carp, and other “sucking” species hold the bait gently between their lips, and they should be allowed plenty of time to suck it in before you tighten the line and bring in your fish. Perch, bluegills, sunfish, and other panfish will bite nervously at the bait. These nibblers require lots of patience and self-control.

Many anglers just can’t wait, and as soon as they feel a few light “pecks” or “knocks” strike back. This simply jerks the hook away from the fish, and loses your bait. It’s nuch better to wait till you feel a strong tug, or feel the fish move away with your bait. Then a sharp lift of the rod will often set the hook. You will learn from experience when the tugs are strong enough for you to strike.

The larger the fish, and the larger the hook, the stronger the yank needed. And to confuse matters slightly, speed in striking back can sometimes be essential. For example, if you’re fishing surface lures, you should strike as soon as the fish hits the lure. Waiting even a fraction of a second could lose you the fish. Often these fish will hook themselves, but the added pull from you will set the hook firmly. Even when trolling, when we are expecting the fish to hook itself, it’s wise to give the rod a good firm yank.

Water conditions can often determine the timing of setting a hook. For instance, in swiftly moving water, the trout doesn’t have much time to decide wether or not to take a dry fly. When he does decide to take it, he does it with a rush, often hooking himself in the process. In still water there is much more time for him to look at what you are offering and take it slow. In these conditions trout will rarely hook themdelves, and you must strike quickly to set the hook.

When small wet flies are used, the line friction alone is often enough to hook the fish. In nymph-fishing downstream, raising the rod tip smartly will generally be all that’s required at the moment the hit is felt.

Some fish are slow, deliberate hitters, so your strike should be delayed. For example, when an atlantic salmon takes a dry fly, let him turn after the rise, and he’ll hook himself when the line tightens.

Finally, to hook a fish, your barb must penetrate the fish’s mouth, and for this reason it must be sharp. A good angler will test his hooks for sharpness before use. He will keep a small whetstone in his tackle box to hone his hooks as needed. And if that’s too much trouble, hooks are cheap. Never use old, worn, blunt hooks. For the sake of a few cents you could lose “the big one.”

Chris Haycock is an information publisher. One of whose many hobbies is fishing, of all types. Also researching resources to help the angler. For details of one such amazing resource go to:
http://www.lostflyfishingsecrets.com

Fishing Strategies

Tips on Lake Fishing for a Great Outdoor Experience

For many years, lake fish have been classified under three general heads: game fish, food fish, and forage or bait fish.

The bass, trout, pike, pickerel, muskellunge, pike perch, etc., have been generally known as game fish because of their sporting value.

On the other hand, carp, suckers, some of the catfish, yellow perch, etc., have been considered as food fish. While this latter group has not been considered as furnishing the sport that the so-called game fish do, nevertheless, it has a real economic and recreational value.

Generally speaking, in lake fishing, words are really inadequate when it comes to describing the correct procedure in casting. The best way to learn how to cast is to go down to the beach, watch an expert at work, and try to do likewise.

Nevertheless, lake fishing can really be fun and the novice will quickly master the correct form in lake fishing. Therefore, to further harness their craft, here are some tips that could help the anglers on their lake fishing activity.

1. In lake fishing, as with other forms of fishing, a smooth, snappy stroke is required but not as snappy as when snapping a whip. This type of stroke will cause the loss of many flies.

2. Anglers should remember that it is the line that is cast, not the fly. The fly is but a passenger, which is attached to the leader.

3. Proper timing is an important factor on both the backcast and forward cast.

4. Know the fish habitat and the kinds of fish that inhabit the lakes. Some of them are the sunfish, and the small mouth black bass.

These kinds of fish can usually be found hiding near some submerged log or stump, or among the plants.

5. When catching big fish in the lake, it is best to use big, sturdy rods. Big fish like the bass usually attain a weight of 12 pounds, which usually inhabits the lake or pond. The reason why they grow really big is that in lakes or ponds, the food is both abundant and very rich.

Hence, to handles these sizes, the ideal length and weight of the rod is 8 ½ feet in length and from 4 to four and three quarters of an ounce in weight.

Indeed, the fundamental principles in lake fishing are not difficult to master and with little patience and practice, the novice can become a successful angler in the lake.

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Fishing Strategies

Barramundi Fishing in Thailand, an Amazing Days Fishing for the Ultimate Predator

 

Firstly, I have to admit my ignorance, when I was told that there were Barramundi in Thailand I was very surprised. Thinking they were only native to Australia, it was pointed out to me that these fish in fact populate many freshwater lakes throughout Asia. So I went along to Bor Num Lake with a friend of mine (John); who is also a keen angler and has been living in Bangkok for over thirteen years.

 

The lake is actually called Bor Num Barramundi fishing park, and the ticket for the day cost 100 Thai baht (approx 2 British pounds or 3 US dollars), excellent value for money. It is possible to hire spinning rods and tackle for an additional 100 baht per person. Bor Num Lake also offers the chance to try your hand at fly fishing; the price is the same which ever code of fishing is chosen. It was suggested to us that we use lures when fishing for the barramundi, we were in total agreement -lure fishing always appeals- as the action and excitement is second to none when fishing for predators using this system.

 

It turns out that fishing for barramundi is extremely popular amongst Thais, especially at the weekends where many come to enjoy the fishing activities. Though catching and eating your quarry is something that has never appealed to me, many anglers here, Thais and foreigners alike do. You can enjoy these fish in the restaurant for -an additional cost- if you so wish, the fish is prepared by the local chefs to your taste (the lake is frequently stocked, to counter the fish taken for the pot).You can always put the fish back if this is not your bag.

 

There is not much protection from the sun here, so one must stay well covered up as the sun will easily nuke the skin, even sun block struggles to keep the rays at bay. So a good hat and a long sleeved shirt are the order of the day.

 

The staff were very friendly giving us plenty of tips and advice, without which I feel we may have struggle to catch; when fishing here one needs to use different techniques than when at home fishing.

 

The Barramundi have been farmed commercially in lakes here in Thailand for over twenty years, they are extremely aggressive hunters and when hooked give one serious fight. Usually clearing the water with energetically charged leaps, which causes large splashes as they land again, bringing the angler much approved applause and cheer from the local observers.

 

We found that poppers with a fly attached to a 30lb leader proved to be the most successful lures (as recommended by the guide). Barramundi have a sharp gill plate and the larger fish can cut through 40lb Fluorocarbon shock leader in one swipe. We used bait casting rods 6 feet in length and bait casting reels which are used specifically for lure fishing (they look very much like multiplying reels).

 

The lake is not a fish farm and it is quite easy to blank here if the wrong methods are used, but if you get it right a fantastic day will be had. The fish do vary in size form 1kg (2.2lb) up to and beyond 10kg (22lbs).

 

Unbelievably the first cast of the day resulted in John hitting into a monster, with in seconds this Barramundi leapt clear of the water creating much excitement in the camp (the guide pointing out that when the fish breaches the water, it is best to lower the tip of the rod, so as not to give the fish too much chance of shedding the hook) John then proceeded to wrestle for a further five minutes with his quarry, again the magnificent barramundi cleared the water several more times before finally subduing to the net. A 4.8kg fish on the first cast and about twenty more in total, not bad at all for a couple of beginners.

 

A few tips:-

 

It is debatable whether to use a tour company or not. If you are confident of finding your way and have your own transport then it is not essential to pay the extra for a tour company. The staff at Born Num is very experienced and probably knows more about their water than the guides from agencies.

 

If live bait fishing you must buy out the fish, you can not catch and release when live baiting due to the almost guaranteed take.

 

A small tip is appreciated but not compulsory for the guides at Bor Num – we gave B100 tip for good service all day

 

The guides are kept very bust usually looking after 5 or 6 anglers at a time.

 

Food and drinks are ordered via the guide, so you do not have to leave the waters edge.

 

Toilets are not European Style, but clean.

 

There is a very friendly atmosphere and the local fishermen are only too willing to help, giving friendly advice and tips without being too intrusive.

 

So all in all a fantastic day was had by all and we became hooked ourselves and will certainly be returning to Bor Num very soon.

 

Jason Butler is a free lance writer. He is currently residing in Thailand and enjoying life. Writing articles on Fishing and Steam engine models is a passion of his. He is also a scuba Diving Instructor with over ten years experience.


Contact Jason… divebutler@hotmail.co.uk

http://www.john-tom.com/

Fishing Strategies

Information on Harlequin Fish Care

Harlequin fish or Rasbora Heteromorpha groups come from Thailand, Sumatra, and the Malayas. The fish are smaller breeds, which grow around 1 ¾ inches in size. Harlequin fish is one of the aquarium keeper’s favorites, since the fish have colorful figures. The fish are shaped like wedges, which blue-black shades setoff its rosy pink and violet forms. Harlequin fish are easily trained; as well, the fish do well in communal tanks. The species however are beautiful formed and colored that residing in a sole tank could produce natural effects to your home area. The fish will dine on all foods, and prefers water conditions such as soft water, sensibly acid waters, and peaty waters. Harlequin fish are not much for breeding. The fish pair in well-conditioned waters, or peaty waters. The balance preferred is pH-6, pH-2, or hard water at 40-ppm. Harlequin fish mate while turned upside down at a leaf surface. The fish typically lay less than one hundred eggs, which are fry in one day. The Harlequin fish group is commonly referred to the Red Rasbora fish.

In addition to the Harlequin, is the Cobitidae family. This fish will help keep tanks clean by gnawing at algae. The scavengers are similar to Carps, in that the fish have teeth. This family of fish also has four barbel located in its upper jaw. The fish are akin to any European freshwater Cyprinids. Cyprinids are family to minnows and Carps, which the fish sometimes have round scales, softer fins, and toothless jaws. Spiny Loach is the family of Cobitidae. This fish composes bifid spines, which is located beneath the eyes. The bifid will erect from its folded, flat position if the fish is put to the test. Predatorily fish will not like the results produced by this fish in the event they decide to challenge the Spiny Loach. Spiny Loaches and Cobitidae fish tend to surface often to seek oxygen. The fish prefer to live in murky, mud-spattered waters. The murkiness and mud limits oxygen, which is why the fish surface often. Weather Fish is amongst the group of Spiny Loaches, which this fish will not adapt well to atmospheric situations, which cause stress.

The Loach fish include the group of Acanthophthalmus Semicinctus family. The fish come from the east parts of India and grow up to 3 ½ inches in size. The fish is popularly called the Half Band Coolie. The Coolie fish have bodies shaped like a snake, which the body covers yellow and black marks. You can find the sub-species of the Coolie family in the Kuhlii family. Kuhlii fish tend to fall into the Salmon category, since the fish may have pink bellies, as well as yellow and black marks. Coolie fish are communal tank fish, which have a peaceful nature. The tanks should be limited to plants, since this fish will hide in closed spaces. You should at deposits of compact decomposed organic debris at the bottom of the tank. (Peat) These fish tend to eat Tubifex and algae, which makes the fish a good cleaning system. As well, the fish will eat all foodstuffs. Coolie fish do not place a high demand on water condition, yet they tend to do well in moderate or neutral waters. The water temperature should remain at 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

In addition to the Coolie fish is the Clown Loach, Tiger Botia, Siluridae, and so on. Over the Internet, you will find a wide assortment of information related to freshwater fish, which include tropical fish, Coldwater fish, sea, or saltwater fish.

To learn about dogfish shark and angel shark, visit the Types Of Sharks website.