Thursday, 27 October 2011

Fishing With Children

Often times as adults, we want to share our hobbies and pastimes with our children. However, it can be difficult to decide when that pastime is appropriate. Children have shorter attention spans that make it difficult to calculate when they are ready for certain things. Fishing is a common hobby of many people around the world and many people are eager to introduce their children to fishing the minute they can hold a fishing rod. Fishing is a lesson in patience for children and a structured way to teach them a sport that involves precision and safety.

When you take your child fishing, the most important thing to keep in mind is their safety. What kind of fishing are you trying to introduce? Are you thinking about a day of bottom fishing? Does pier fishing suit your needs? Are you going to go all out and take your child for a deep-sea fishing excursion?

Regardless of what you decide is best, you should have the basic safety essentials with you at all times. A first aid kit is mandatory because whenever a kid is involved accidents will happen. Children tend to get poked, scratched, and barbed, so you need to be prepared. If you are going out into the sea and away from the shore, make sure that you have life jackets and make sure that your child is wearing one even he or she has no intention of getting into the water. Keep in mind your child's abilities when it comes to swimming. If you do not think that they are a strong swimmer, you may want to keep your boat docked.

Make sure to buy and stock your child's tackle box. A youngster's first tackle box should be small and lightweight. There is nothing complex about the contents of a beginner's tackle box. All a child needs are some pre-tied hooks, some bobbers, a couple of weights, swivels, and small scissors or fingernail clippers to cut their line. A tackle box is a fingerprint for many who view it as a personal expression. Let your child see the basics so that they can build their own to represent themselves one-day.

Make sure to lead by example when you take your child fishing. Teach them how to keep the line taut so that they will be able to respond properly if a fish bites their line. As soon as your child feels the bite, teach them how to set the hook. Tug back on the rod in order to firmly set the hook in the fish's lip. Take the time with your child to let them learn techniques like "playing the fish". Part of the fun of fishing is the struggle between the man and the fish, so let your child have the entire experience and not just a partial one.

When you introduce fishing to your child, you have certain advantages to teaching them at a younger rather than older age. Younger child have a greater absorption rate with a desire to soak up as much information as they can. Take the time that you and your child are sharing to educate them about catch and release regulations and fishing for food as opposed to pleasure. If your child decides that they want to let the fish that you catch go, make sure that you know the right way to release. Cleaning the fish can either make a child vomit or ask when the next trip is going to be, so use discretion in regards to age when preparing your catch for dinner.

There will be good days and bad days when fishing with your kids. Kids have a tendency to not listen, become disinterested fast or fall asleep at inopportune times. Patience is the key to taking children out for a day of fishing. Repetition will also make your child more comfortable with the whole process. Regardless of whether a fish is caught or not, take the time to bond with your child while using fishing as an excuse.

The Fishing History

The next time you drop a line in the water off the side of a boat equipped with the latest sonar devices, dig into the cooler beside your feet for a favourite beverage and kick your feet up to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing.

Fishing is one of the oldest activities known to man. Archaeologists have found ancient dumps of shell and bone, cave paintings depicting fishing and even hooks made from bone. There is even a theory that states we might be closer to the fish we try and catch than we think. The "Aquatic Ape Hypothesis" contends that human beings spent a time living by and catching their food from the shallows of lakes and oceans. The controversial theory contends years of living that helped us to look different from the apes and chimpanzees thought by some to be our ancestors because of this time evolving by water.

The ancient river Nile was an angler's paradise. The Egyptians relied on fresh and dried fish as a staple in their diets, and the various methods they used have been well represented in many ancient representations from their lives. Although they had some tools like nets, baskets and even hooks and lines, the fish caught were often clubbed to death. Perch, catfish and eels were among the most important catches in the Egyptian times.

The other bed of civilization, Greece, did not share Egypt's love of fishing. Still, there is a depiction on a wine cup from 500 BC that shows a boy kneeling over a stream with a live capture net in the water below him. It's unclear why the boy was 'fishing' however, since the device is clearly for live capture. There is also evidence the Romans fished with nets and tridents off the sides of boats. One of their most famous Gods, Neptune, is depicted usually with a fishing trident. There are references to fishing in the Bible, too.

Perhaps the most recognizable tool for fishing is the hook. No one knows for certain, but it's quite probable prehistoric man was using some form of a hook over 40,000 years ago. Experts have had some problems pinning down exact dates since they know most of the materials used back then were most likely wood and not very durable. British Isle anglers catch fish with hooks made from the hawthorn bush, right up to the present day. Although Stone Age man had the tools necessary for making bone hooks, it is hard for scientists to get exact dates since bone does not define its age well. The oldest known hooks have turned up in Czechoslovakia, but others have turned up in Egypt and Palestine. The Palestinian hooks are believed to be over 9,000 years old, proving that fishing has been around for a very long time indeed.

Indians on Easter Island made their hooks from a gruesome material. Since human sacrifices were abundant in the area for some time, the natives made their fish hooks out of the most plentiful material around - human bone. Fish hooks made of human bone were the norm there until missionaries arrived at the turn of the last century. In addition to hooks made of stone, bone or wood, ancient man often combined material to make composite hooks with barbs that kept the bait on.

The Art Of Fly Fishing

What is fly fishing? For most people, fishing is just fishing. Throw some bait on a line, toss it in the water and wait for a nibble, but for fly fishing enthusiasts, it’s so much more. An ancient angling method, fly fishing is a method that was initially developed primarily for catching trout and salmon. Currently, however, it is also used to catch pike, carp, bass and other species.

Fly fishing uses an artificial fly as bait, which is tied to a hook with the use of thread, feathers, fur and other similar materials. The idea is to create an illusion that will match a natural vision of food to attract the fish. Fly rods, which are used for fly fishing, are light in weight, but long in their design. The lines, themselves, are somewhat heavy in order to provide the casting weight. The lines may be made to either float or sink and are typically matched to the fly rod according to the weight. The fly itself will be very lightweight and is attached to the line.

So, what is the difference between fly fishing and regular fishing? Realistically, it is more than just the bait, right? Right. The main difference in fly fishing and regular casting is that with casting, you use the weight of the bait to throw out the line, while fly fishing uses a weightless bait and a weighted line that directs the actual placement.

Fly fishing is commonly done in two different forms, which consists of either dry or wet. Dry flies are coated to sit atop the water’s surface, while wet flies are placed beneath the water’s surface in an attempt to lure fish.

Fly fishing rods and accessories can be commonly found at any bait shop, retail store’s fishing department or online specialty store. There are a number of online fly fishing experts that are happy to sell their recommended products. The internet may, in fact, hold the greatest selection of fly fishing gear as customers are granted access to a world of businesses and a haven of products to feed their fly fishing appetite.

The art of fly fishing is best enjoyed in the company of friends. A quiet afternoon on the water, enjoying nature and competing for the greatest catch is all apart of the fun related to fly fishing. There are many areas that are accommodating to fly fishing, including the western United States and parts of Canada.

Sunday, 23 October 2011

Fishing with Live Bait

There are many myths that surround using live bait instead of artificial and most of them are not true. Live bait is still used by many anglers. The one factual part of live bait, which no one can dispute, it that is often messy, and it smells terrible. If you can surmount these two factors, you will be in good shape to try live bait on your next fishing outing.

There are some basic principles that should not be ignored when using live bait. None of the principles concerning live bait are clean or nice, but they are mandatory. You should never handle live bait when your hands are dry. Bait has a slimy layer on the outside, which is protective as well as inviting to predators, and if your hands are dry you will risk removing that layer.

If you are running short on live bait, try to save the bait that dies in your live well or in a nearby bucket. When your live bait has run out, you will still be able to use the freshly dead bait on your hook to attract fish. All you have to do is cast your line and bob it a little to give the appearance that your decoy has some life left. Be careful of the weight that you put on a line with live bait. Fish are going to spot a weight if it is too heavy and weighting down the bait. Your weight or sinker should be light enough to give the bait the appearance of free floating in the water.

Seasonal fishing can change the perspective on live bait. For instance, the summer months can be brutal, especially in the South. You may need to adjust your thinking and practices when the summer months hit. Keeping the bait alive will be the hardest obstacle for any angler in the summer. In order to keep your bait living, you will need to change out the water regularly so that the oxygen can keep flowing through to the bait. However, you can't just stop at changing out the water.

The temperature of the water is crucial because the water on the surface is hot and deadly for living bait. Therefore, having ice on hand to put into the live well will be the most beneficial way of keeping your live bait happy until they reach the hook. There is also a bait shortage during the summer months on things like shrimp and live croaker. You will save yourself a lot of time if you call the bait shop the night before to ensure that the bait you want is available. The shrimp are the most common bait in the summertime, but they are not as effective as you may think. When everyone is using shrimp, the fish are not as excited by them because they see them everywhere. Try using a baitfish that is not as often used in the summer months and guarantee a better chance of catching a fish.

Some other tips you should keep in mind when fishing with live bait is to never hook your live bait in the eyes. The reason is that you want the bait to see the fish approach them because they will become more excited and it will cause the fish to latch on better. Another thing is that you should add water softener salt to the water that is holding your live bait. The salt will make the scales of your bait harder while instantaneously preserving the slimy coat that attracts predators.

Lastly, you should make sure that you know how to properly throw a casting net before trying to catch bait. People often times throw the net too hard or too soft and this results in frustration and a net that does not consistently open.

Live bait can come in handy when you are trying to have a big day out at sea. Reason and logic will tell you that a fish would be more attracted to real food as oppose to faux food. However, the live bait does increase the workload so make sure you are prepared to deal with the entire package before committing to fishing with live bait.

Fishing Equipment - How Much Do You Really Need?

So what equipment do you need nowadays to go fishing?

Well, the basics are of course a rod, a fishing line, weights, hook and bait; however, it doesn’t always stop there.

Equipment needed for fishing would also depend on which type of fishing you want to do. Types of fishing include, deep sea fishing, lake fishing, pond fishing, canal fishing or perhaps carp fishing.

Some types of fishing also require a licence, so it is important to find out if your chosen type of fishing involves you applying for a fishing licence.

The ideal way to find out exactly what you would need for your chosen type of fishing would be to walk into a tackle shop and discuss equipment with the person behind the counter.

If you walk into a fishing shop, presented before you would be a mass of equipment and accessories from rods and reels to chairs and tents. You could even buy an electronic bite alert, therefore, talking to someone experienced would be a great help when considering what equipment you need.

Fishing equipment can be as cheap or expensive as you want it to be. Fishing in lakes and ponds may only require the bear minimum. Why take the fun out of fishing by adding all the expense? We already know it is possible to enjoy a great day out fishing without having to spend a fortune on equipment.

For the more serious fisherman, using a wooden pole and stones as weights simply would not do, especially if they are on a fishing weekend.

Fishing at night is said to be more successful than daytime fishing if you want to bait a particular fish. Most fish are more active at night looking for their feed, therefore, many fisherman will leave their homes at 11 – 12 pm at night to set up for a nights fishing.

On top of your essential fishing equipment, you would also need to consider waterproof clothing, a large umbrella, seating and perhaps even a tent.

Once you do have your equipment, and you have spent the day on the lakes catching your bait, remember to rinse off your reels and rods in fresh water, this is especially so if you have been fishing in salt water.

Most equipment is fine in a cool dry environment, but do not be tempted to lean your rod up against a wall, this could cause your rod to warp, instead, store them vertically or horizontally.

Whatever equipment you decide to purchase for the type of fishing you choose, we all know that fishing is fun.

A recent study showed that most fisherman fish for any type of fish and happy with whatever they catch, just as long as they catch something. In this case, equipment needed for fishing would perhaps prove to be less expensive and a lot more fun.

This is the type of fishing the kids are interested in, however, you still have to watch those pockets, as kids come up with all kinds of equipment they ‘need’ and just cannot do without. Sound familiar?

Saturday, 22 October 2011

Fishing As Family Activity

Many people love to go fishing, instead of playing tennis or golf. Others make it their primary sport activity together with their families and friends to relieve boredom and stress. Surveys say that more than 50 million Americans love to go fishing and make it their lifestyle option instead of other sports.

In Alabama, fishing represents a substantial impact on the state economy. Hundreds of millions of dollars are represented and about 20,000 people list fishing as their source of livelihood. However, most people consider it as a form of relaxation and a family activity. In general, it is a lifestyle option.

In the book titled “The Incomplete Psychology of Everyday Fishing;” psychologist Paul G. Quinnett dedicated an entire chapter about fishing as a source to relieve stress. In the chapter, “Ethics of Fishing” he points out that a person must appreciate and enjoy the benefits of nature. He also highlighted that fishing correct is a way for an individual to become more disciplined in his lifestyle.

“Family Life First,” an organization dedicated to introducing how to spend useful family time to parents for their children, have factual data that in the past 20 years, 25 percent of a child’s playing time has decreased. Outdoor activities, where most children spend their playing time, have also declined by 50 percent. Since 1969 to 1996, 22 percent of family time activities have lessened proven by the study of the White House Council of Economic Advisers.

Any fruitful time to interact with your children is time worth investing. Fishing is a way to connect. The quality time you get is really worth the effort. The experience you get by catching fish is what makes it wonderful to enjoy and that is the important part of fishing. There are 23 public fishing lakes having plenty of fish waiting to be caught. All children can experience the excitement and adventure of fishing. You will always remember the very first time you caught a fish, and the parent who showed you how to catch it. You gain enjoyable and learning experiences from fishing that makes it a great family activity.

Alabama, for example, promotes its lakes and open banks as places best for fishing. You do not even need a boat to catch fish. There are also stores where you can find what you need for fishing. You may bring your family with you and the time of being together and enjoying the fun of fishing is the best family activity you could have.

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Fish Tips for Fly Fishing

There are thousands of bait anglers, who are excellent sportsmen, but the fly fisherman can become better conservation from the beginning.

Fly fishing is not only one of the fastest growing sports; it is one of the best forms of conserving natural resources as well as providing recreation.

Fly fishing is, very simple when three things are right: you must have a good rod; you must have the right line to match the rod; and you must learn correct casting mode.

People who wish to know some tips on fly fishing, here is a list of pointers that could help anglers harness their fly fishing skills:

1. Material of a fly rod

For one of moderate means, and especially for the beginners, hollow glass is advised through it will require less care than bamboo and will not take on a bend if improperly stored.

2. Fly line

Your fly casting skill will not be good with a mismatched fly rod and line. About 99 times in 100, the troubled fly caster has a line much too light to bring out the action of the rod.

Important to notice that on any given rod, the fly fisherman use the same size line for anything from small trout and bluegills up to the largest sea fish.

In finding your size line, anglers should get a C level, an HCH double - taper, or a GBF three - diameter. This choice is based on the fact that a high percentage of fly rods bought now are hollow glass, again that a great majority of these work best with lines of those sizes, almost regardless of lengths or weights.

3. Correct casting technique

In casting, it is important to get about 20 feet of line out front. Anglers should always cast a straight line. Avoid jerky movements in order to do so.

The angler should relaxed because taunt muscles will ruin his casting.

All together, there should be no reason why you should not learn the fundamental principles just as easily as those who now enjoy fly fishing.

Universal, the best and surest way to learn to cast successfully is to spend a day on the stream with some fisherman who is a competent caster.

Lessons learned on the stream are the best tip you can achieve anywhere for learning fly fishing.

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