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So You’ve Decided To Learn How To Tie A Fish Hook

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How To Tie A Fish Hook

Serious fishermen have all known the heart sinking sensation of successfully battling a prize fish close to the surface, only to see their hard work dart away through the blue waters after their tie has snapped. It is usually at this moment the vow is made to learn how to tie a fish hook.

Knot strength is the do or die of successfully landing a fish. The lack of knot strength in purchased snelled hooks is often the motivation behind a fisherman’s decision to tie their own knots.

There are many different knot types with which to experiment once you have decided to try your hand at tying fish hooks. Each type of knot may also have several variations making it unique to its type. Many fishermen How To Tie A Fish Hookhave devised their own tie, and probably could not relate the steps they use to perfect the tie, since they have done it so many times it becomes an automatic response.  The key to accurately learning how to tie a fish hook is practice, practice and more practice. Choose from one to several types of knots that you feel comfortable working with, and then perfect your style until each knot emerges a masterpiece.

Some of the popular knots that are used often are:
Loop, Clinch, Jansik, Palomar, hangman, Uni knot, Surgeon knot, turle or turtle knot

Begin with the simpler knots, the Loop and the Jansik, to maintain your confidence and turn out good hooks. Knowing the type of fish you are angling for will be helpful in determining which knots you need to learn, and therefore dictating the type of line you will be using.

To accurately learn to tie each knot, a visual aid is extremely helpful. It is most useful to actually see the knot being tied right in front of you in order to replicate the steps.  There are several ways to do this that are inexpensive and bring immediate results. There are instructional videos available, many free of charge videos available on line, that demonstrate step by step instructions on the particular knot you are attempting. Instructional DVDs are on the market, with the advantage of having many examples of various knots on hand for viewing and practicing. Another advantage to DVD instruction is that the teaching will be displayed on your own television, offering much more visual appeal. Also, many sports stores offer instructional classes that are hands on that can bring an additional benefit in that you can purchase materials there to take home for practice.

Learning how to tie a fish hook will be a craft that may very well become an addiction; definitely it will be a lifelong hobby once you have mastered your preferred knots. With the advantage of quality equipment coming from your own hands and expertise, fishing will become even more of a challenge and a passion as you discover how hand-tied hooks bring more satisfaction and more fish into your fishing experience.

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Fishing Guide

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A good fishing guide has many duties during the course of the day. But the supreme task is to put you over the fish. He should know where they hold and if they’re on the run where in the runs to fish. How do you locate a good guide? First the Internet because there should be besides pictures of fishermen holding up monster fish the answers to some very important questions that I will discuss later. Use the Internet as a weeding out tool narrowing your search to three or four guides.

Generally a good place to find all the guides in an area is the local Chamber of Commerce site with links to their websites. If that doesn’t work a general search of the Web should give you many to pick from but you will have to separate out of those the guide who specializes in the particular river or kind of ocean fishing you are interested in. Third party sites can be very good an example is Ed Blank’s flyfishingheaven.com although the site is for more exotic locales he has done the legwork for you. The third possibility is the local fly shop here they probably have guides of the own but you can add them to the list of candidates.

The first thing that you need to find out is how much experience the guide has either by conversation or his website. If I were going to hire a guide, I would want him to have at least 12 to 15 years experience on the waters I was going to fish. Besides the accumulation of knowledge, it shows that he has made a living out of guiding and that is not easy to do. You need a lot of repeat clients and you have to have to find fish.

Next what type of guiding does he do if it is only fly-fishing and you wish to use a spinning rod, he is not the guide for you. Whatever the tackle, will he introduce you to new techniques that will expand your fishing knowledge? Each good guide has tricks of the trade that you can use on your own. A local guide in my area will give a lesson in spey casting if you desire.

What is policy on catch and release? If you catch that trophy fish will a picture be good enough for you? Most guides are adamant catch and release advocates because it is in their interest to do so. If you in your conversation with the guide find the your positions only catch and release are different, scratch him from your list. It will only had to disharmony on the trip.

If it is fly-fishing only, will he take a novice under his wing and educate them on the basics of fly-fishing? This takes experience to teach someone the basics of fly-fishing while servicing the other clients. You would be better served if you enrolled the novice in a fly-fishing class before your trip. Then the guide could point out the nuances of fly-fishing that particular river to all the clients.

Next, although devious is appropriate, give him a chance to lie. Ask how many of the fish you are fishing for did his clients land last year. It is up to you to tell whether or not he is telling the truth.

What is his availability turn the best months of the season?  If he is booked up you have a choice to made whether to fish the marginal months with a good guide or take a second tier guide during the peak of the season. If it my choice I would take a second tier guide during the peak of the season than a great guide during the marginal months. But I would ask the great guide to book you for next year during the peak of the season. If a non-refundable deposit is required, it is your judgment on whether you will be able to make that trip.

Finally talk about rates; on the Trinity River the rates average $400 per boat with two people. If fly-fishing two people are about all you want to have in a boat. The rates are a little higher with a third person but with four people in the boat, the three clients and the guide, spinning rods are the way to go. The rate of $400.00 dollars is for a full day on the water generally eight hours. The fishing guide should tell you the length of time that you will be fishing.

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For Beginning Bass Fishing Lures, Basic Is Best

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Many bass fishermen have been actively fishing since a very young age, perhaps introduced to the popular sport by a parent or sibling. Others may not have been so lucky to have mentors, and so begin the sport of bass fishing as a total newcomer. For these newbies, discovering the best beginning bass fishing lures can be the difference between fishing and catching.

Before making any purchases, check with a knowledgeable source in the fishing world to determine the type of bass that are found in your area, and the type of water you will be fishing. There is a difference in lures used for shallow water and deep water, for example. If you know an experienced fisherman in your area, he will be your best source. Also, the clerk or owner in the fishing equipment store you choose should have this information, and can point you in the right direction.

Merchants offer a dizzying array of fishing lures, promising the biggest, the best and the most catches if this lure or that lure is used. Shiny and shimmery, plastic and metal, expensive and cheap; such a widely varied Bass Fishingselection of lures can be a confusing and frustrating experience for the beginner. In all regards, basic is best for beginning fishermen. Once a little experience and confidence has been gained out in the water, the addition of other lures can be made to enhance the fishing experience. But for starters, stick to the basics for the best results.

Beginning bass fishing lures that are typically good choices are spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and plastic worms and grubs. Bass are color sensitive, have good hearing and also a developed sense of smell. Knowing these facts can help you to choose your lures.

  • Brightly colored crankbait lures attract bass in murky waters, as do any crankbaits that have noise attributes, such as a rattle. The hook on crankbaits is visible, however, so in clear water proves to be much less effective. It will be best to have both a shallow diver and a deep diver to begin.
  • Spinnerbaits are very appealing to bass also, and are available in bright colors and noise which do work well. Choose one that is natural in appearance, and one with vivid and vibrant color, to cover both ends of the spectrum.
  • Plastic worms and grubs continue to be extremely popular with both fishermen and bass. While not as exciting perhaps as a crankbait, they can be just as appealing when the colorful ones are used in muddy waters. Very natural looking in clear waters, plain worms are effective as bass bait. Choose a few that are realistically colored and designed, along with a couple that have bright tones.

Remember to check with a knowledgeable source when choosing your beginning bass fishing lures. Learn from their experiences fishing bass in the area waters, and then try your hand using each of the lures. Soon, you will have your favorites that provide the best results for you.

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Fishing Trip Tips

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Fishing can be a relaxing way to spend your weekends. It has been proven that fishing is one of the all-time treasured experiences of thousands of American families. However, any sport has its dangerous side and fishing is no exemption.

Majority of fishing equipment have sharp tools such as metal hooks which may lead to accidents when the fishing environment unexpectedly changes for the worse. Storms, hurricanes, wild currents, and other mishaps, could spoil your fishing trip.

If you are planning to go on a fishing expedition with family or friends, here is a list of urgent situations and what preparations you need to face each scenario.

1) Weather Before packing up your bags and traveling to you fishing spot, consult or be aware of the weather conditions for the day and the following days. Whether you are fishing on shores or in a boat, you should be cautious of the conditions such as flash floods, storm movements and darkening of the skies. When signals such as extreme lightning strikes, you should head to dry land immediately.

Having a sun-drenched day is not really an appropriate fishing day. You should be aware that spending many hours with exposure to the sun could damage your skin. Be prepared by bringing sun block to avoid sunburns. You should be aware of heat sickness symptoms such as nausea, breathing difficulty, lightheadedness, and unable to concentrate on tasks. Prepare a supply of water or liquid beverages to keep hydrated.

2) Sharp fishing equipments Since fishing includes many sharp tools, you should always be prepared to treat injuries by packing disinfectants such as medicated lotion or spray and hydrogen peroxide. If an incident leads the skin to bleed, you would need bandages, cotton or paper towel. Bring your own first aid kit.

3) Tangles One of the most common fishing hindrances is wherein your line is caught in anything surrounding your fishing spot such as trees, logs, etc. Try to get your line or fishing rod out of the tangle immediately to avoid the problem that could lead into a major accident. You could either snap off the branches of the tree or carefully and slowly remove your line away from where it is tangled.

4) Bait When you run out of bait, it could spoil your while fishing trip. Avoid this by splitting up the rest of the bait into halves, quarters or thirds. The worm, even if divided, could still move, so the divided worms could still lure your target fish.

Be prepared to face any scenario to keep your fishing adventure as relaxed as possible. With all these in mind, you could enjoy your fishing trip safely and successfully.

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Purpose of Fishing Rod Holders

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Fishing is a sport designed for relaxation. It is where fish lovers pride themselves of the fish caught while celebrating it with friends and family.

The rod holder is a fishing tool that allows fishermen to multi-task easily. It was invented because fishing requires the use of both hands in the whole process of luring, hook clearing and removing the fish from the hooks. With all these tasks, letting go of the pole is difficult. The fishing rod holder was intended for anglers to be able to make use of both hands.

The first design of fishing rod holders had two parts. The first is a pole-binding device with a strap placed on the railing to tie up to the fishing pole. The second part is a Velcro strap that could be tied on your limb, arms or waist.

The first designs needed improvement because when the straps were placed on the waist, it is wedged into anything you hit. Therefore, a new design of rod holder was invented which has four parts two pole clips and two straps.

Depending on what fishing position you are in, the short strap is used to be wrapped around your wrist or forearm and the long strap is wrapped around your ankle or leg.

There are also rod holders which come with a remedial solution for seasickness. This curative fishing rod is capable of providing the user with an acupressure stimulator. Providing that the strap of the holder be worn all throughout the trip, it would remain efficient since the pressure is exerted continuously.

The rod holder is best for fly-fishing. Fly fishing is done in locations with rocky rivers and it is impossible to use your other hand for any purpose other than the fishing tasks. Because of the clips wrapped around your lower leg, you have a choice of putting the rear of the fishing pole into the clip so that no water could go inside it.

The upper pole clips could rotate to 360 degrees. It allows the user to do any movement since the pole is more flexible. The fishing rod holder could be used in any location whether in boats, on land, or at the dock. It prevents the fishing rod to slip from your hands and it allows you to release the rod easily.

The best fishing rod holders are those done homemade. However, many fishing stores offer high quality rod holders that would best suit your kind of fishing.

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Catfishing the Right But Simple Way

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There are a few basic methods that are effective in catching catfish. Bear in mind that specific methods are applicable to specific kinds of waters. That is because techniques and baiting mixtures are formulated for specific targets.

The following methods are simple, yet proven successful when used:

1) Rigging method – Depending on the bait used, loop the bait holder or the treble hook from a line to a preferred distance to the end. Bait movement is not suggested therefore, a weight must be used to allow the rig to be still. A good distance shall be about 18 to 24.

Same as the first method, using the Slipweight to make the bait stable is also effective. The weight does not matter as long as it can slide in the line. The fish will not feel any weight and it will be late until they realize that the bait is fake.

Multibait technique allows multiple catches at once. Simply place three-way swivel along the line. As it draws more strikes it makes a great choice for catching more catfish at the same time.

2) Bait – Experts opt for chicken livers or medium sized shrimp from groceries. The shrimp’s tail and skin must be removed and body should be big enough to slide up in a number 6 hook. This is simpler than the chicken which necessitates the use of pantyhose. A diameter of a quarter is wrapped in a piece of pantyhose leaving a tag end then attach it through the treble hook. Blood worms, minnows, catfish paste, night crawlers, snails, living or dead small fish, and dough baits are also good choices of baits. Remember that the best baits are always those that nature produced.

3) Chumming – Fishermen catch more catfish with this method. This is simply throwing balls of mixtures of natural recipes in the fishing area. This attracts more catfish the trick is that the mixture should be right enough for the catfish to feed heavily. The hook that will be used to fish normally must have the same recipe for the bait. Adding a good smelling flavor into the pasty mixture attracts catfish more.

4) Tackling – Although the technique involved in this method is by far effective, it’s still the bait that attracts and brings the catfish in. As simple as it is, the tackle should be about 6 feet long with a spinning real. Choose heavier lines to allow more battle between the fisherman and the catfish. It doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive. The experience you get from a cheaper tackle is no different from an expensive one.

Make sure the grip is secure hooks are removed by pliers after catching the fish. Avoid being stuck with the fins as some are poisonous. Just simply sliding the hand up to its belly from tail, placing the fingers behind one side and thumb behind the other can remove the catfish from the hook without any harm. Happy catfishing and good luck!

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Fishing Tips for Beginners

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There are many kinds of fishing equipments in stores, numerous fishing methods in books, and fishing advices online. To make it all simple, here are the basic things you need to know for your first time fishing adventure.

1) How to fish with bait

* Tackle. To plunk the bait, you should purchase lead weights. The weight of the lead would vary depending on the current of the environment. Anglers commonly use and recommend bank sinkers with a number-two hook.

To avoid sinkers to slide, you would need a swivel to act as a stop. To protect the knot, you could use plastic beads between the swivel and weight. Using two appropriate swivels could allow you to rig the sliding sinkers.

* Bait. The commonly used bait for all kinds of fishes is worms. Another popular bait is chicken liver. Remember to buy fresh bait and keep them cold to avoid them from getting soft and allowing the bait to stay within your hooks.

Some of the commonly used baits are cut-baits which include skin from fried chicken, fish entrails, grasshoppers, salmon eggs, shrimps and crayfish tails.

2) How to fish There are three basic methods for fishing.

* Plunking It is the most common method used. Use a suitable amount of weight for you to be able to take hold of the bait in a position which is against any current. An option in plunking is to use minimal weight for the bait to move along with the water current.

* Back bouncing It is done by lifting the bait out the bottom and raising the tip of the rod for one to two feet. Allowing the bait to walk with the current, you should free the back reel or spool. Repeat the steps when the lure settles down on the bottom. Back bouncing is effective in deeper water like fishing in a boat.

* Drift-fishing It is a simple method wherein you cast upstream or downstream. This may vary depending on the current’s amount. You should count the appropriate depth and start reeling.

3) How to fish from a boat It is important to determine in which location you would perform your fishing. Deeper water needs heavier jigheads compared when fishing on shore.

* With heavy weight which keeps your bait near the bottom of the water and the line straight down from your boat, you are able to drift the boat along with any current. A good technique of fishing on boats is trolling slowly with a fishing device called bottom-walker.

Fishing is easy as long as you’re enjoying the trip. Bring some of your family and friends along and make your first time fishing a memorable one.

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The Best Way To Cook Your Freshly Caught Fish

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A freshly caught fish can be cooked in a thousand and one ways. Any fisherman worth his salt has his own unique way of cooking a freshly caught trout, salmon or whatever fish he caught. So fisherman all across the country has been handed down methods of cooking fish. Here are some tips to get the best out of your fish.

1.Frying

Breading and frying a freshly caught fish is as good as it gets. The smell of butter emanating from the frying pan and the flair a fisherman puts in flipping his catch is worth its weight in gold, almost. For the novice fisherman, make sure that the butter is extra hot but not yet burning. Also, make sure that the fish is well coated in batter. Season your batter to your heart’s content, salt and pepper never goes wrong. You may want to try other herbs and spices with the batter for a more delicious fish.

2.Grilling

At first glance, grilling would seem to be the easiest way to handle your fish. A newbie might assume that grilling fish is the same as grilling steaks or burgers. Unlike fowl or cattle, fish tends to secret most of its own juices when cooked. On a grill the delicious juice drips into the coals.

To prevent losing the moisture, first coat the fish with oil. The oil will seal a part of the moisture inside. Second, keep an eye on the fillets and turn them as soon as a cut would reveal that the fresh fish is cooked halfway through. After being flipped, watch the fish carefully. Remove the fish as soon as it is cooked through.

An option to basting the fish with oil is to wrap it in aluminum foil. The aluminum foil will keep the moisture and marinate the fish in its own moisture. Placing herbs and spices inside the foil with the fish enhances the grilling process and the fish itself.

3.Baking

Baking is the best option for the fisherman who does not want to watch over the fish during cooking. The fisherman can prepare the marinade and pre-heat the oven, then pop the fish into the oven for a predetermined amount of time. You may want to check on the fish from the time to time, ensuring that you don’t overcook the fish.

Whatever fish you caught, a good recipe and proper cooking will for sure enhance the catch. Take time to prepare for cooking, a badly cooked fish will no doubt spoil your day. Remember the first rule of cooking, don’t overcook your fish.

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Some Basic Facts about Fishing Gear

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In fishing, it is very important to an angler’s success that he starts with the proper equipment. He may purchase or own the finest equipment in the world, but when it is assembled and put into use, it may prove to be a very decided handicap.

To guard against this, it is important that the individual items of tackle be properly balanced one with the other. Unbalanced equipment has been responsible for more difficulties and failures of beginners than any other single factor.

Fishing Rod

To fish with a good rod is to really enjoy fishing. It is much easier to learn with a good rod than with one of an inferior quality. This is no commercial plug to encourage the sale of expensive rods, but just a word of warning to prevent any possible or unnecessary discouragement because of using a rod that would be decided handicap to a competent caster.

Fishing Lines

This item of fishing gear must be selected with some careful considerations if anglers are expecting to enjoy fishing or casting.

This is because the size and weight of fishing lines made by various manufacturers are not entirely uniform, that is, the diameter of the line by one manufacturer may be slightly larger or smaller than a line by another manufacturer even though both bear the same size marking.

The Leader

The leader is also a very important item, and unless it is selected with care and consideration in comparison with the size of the line, the caster will have trouble in making it extend straight out from the line when casting.

The chief function of the leader is to serve as an invisible connection between the line and the lure.

Fishing Flies or Lures

The flies may range in size, from the tiniest used, which might be number 18 or 20, up to flies tied on number-2 hooks or larger. The heavier flies or lures create more wind is needed. It also requires the use of heavier equipment or more power on the part of the caster during the back cast and forward cast.

Reels

The reel may be automatic or single action, but in any event, it should be larger enough to hold the usual 30 yards of fishing line without crowding it on the reel spool.

The reel should weigh from 1 to 1 as much as the bare rod. The reel itself is of no specific use in casting or fishing except as a storage place for the line.

Consequently, the entire equipment should always be in good condition. Other wise, achieving success in fishing is impossible.

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What is Fishing Bait?

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There is such an assortment of bait that it is difficult to recommend any particular color, size, or type as the best. There are more than a thousand good baits on the market. All will catch fish at some time or another.

Fishing baits usually weigh from to an ounce to three ounces. The most popular weight preferred by the majority of bait casters is the 58-ounce bait, while the average is between and 3 quarters of an ounce. Baits can either be used as a whole or cut into chunks. Anglers can also use dead or live baits.

The Different Types of Bait

There is a wide array of organisms being used as fishing baits. Among the different types used in fishing, the commonly used are the small fishes. These consist of widely used fishing baits such as herring, anchovies, menhaden, and some others that are inborn to certain local waters. Larger fishes are usually used as chunk baits.

Fishing baits can be used whole, chunk, and strips, based on the activities of the type of fishes being chased. The size of the fishing bait is usually well matched with the size of the fish being hunted. Other common organisms used for bait fishing are crabs, worms, shrimps, crabs, clams, sand fleas, eels, and squid. Among all of the organisms mentioned, the crabs and the shrimps are the well-liked organisms to be used as fishing baits.

Shrimp are favorably used as fishing bait and are considered to be very valuable bait for a huge number of saltwater fish, especially those that are considered inshore fish like redfish, speckled trout, shook, and a lot more.

Whereas, various crab species, especially the fiddler crab, sand flea, and the blue crab, are perfect fishing baits for many varieties of inshore fishes and bottom fish. These crabs are usually clasped through their shell, usually on either the right or left of the head.

How to Acquire Fishing Bait?

Fishermen can acquire fishing bait either buying them in bait shops or simply by capturing it themselves.

The advantage of buying fishing bait is convenience, while catching live fishing bait is less expensive and can be more effective in luring fish. Digging for earthworms is another activity. Earthworms make an excellent bait.

Indeed, when it comes to bait fishing, using the proper fishing bait are important and imperative to the success of fishing. Hence, anglers should know the basics of choosing fishing baits in order to save time and money.

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