Winter Bass Fishing Using Jigs

One of the most reliable lures that can be used for bass fishing in the chill of winter is that of the jig. These pieces are ideal for use in water that is extremely cold regardless of whether or not it is muddy or clear. This comes in rather handy being that the bass you are after at this time will undoubtedly be holding to virtually any cover they know. Jigs are considered presentation lures and the secret to using them is to make them appear as authentic to natural prey as possible using a rather slow presentation.

Jigs come with one hook attached to their solid, lead-headed bodies. A tiny trailer or skirt is affixed to the hook in order to catch the attention of nearby bass. Provided that you have adequate weed guards, these lures can be used in even the densest vegetation as they flawlessly make their way into the difficult to get to areas in a subtle way.

Many different kinds of weights can be used in conjunction with jigs also. You will want to make sure that you experiment with plenty of different styles and sizes so that you can ultimately decide what works best for your style. If you are fishing in clear water, you will need lighter fishing gear including line and weights. If you are fishing in darker, muddier water, you will then want to turn to heavier, sturdier equipment.

Always keep in mind that the goal when choosing weights is to select the absolute lightest weight you can possibly get by with. Since this can be somewhat of a challenge if you are not already out on the water, you may want to have many different weights with you so that you can switch on a moment’s notice if you need to do so.

When fishing using a jig, you will want to act as if it is drop bait. Once you feel that your weight has touched the bottom of the lake, you will then want to tip your rod and start reeling in the remaining slack. Once you have done this, very carefully draw back on your rod so your lure can drop another time. Once you feel any kind of sensation on your line, which is most likely a fish bite. You will now want to immediately set your hook and slowly reel in your line. Chances are, you will be greeted on the other end with a nice bass.

On days when you are unable to make it out to the water, try out some great online fishing games to keep yourself entertained and your skills sharp.

Crappie Fishing At Night

Fishing for crappie at night is an effective method for catching a great deal of fish as it somehow seems to be more productive once the sun has gone down. What distinguishes crappie from other species of fish is their sight. Crappie have the ability to see in color quite well. Knowing this can help you use it to your advantage when you are fishing for these critters one evening. Here are some fishing tips to start you off on the right foot.

· Be sure the bait you have is lively

If you are lucky enough to have access to a live well then you wont have any problem with this. However, you can purchase an aerator for around $20 that will keep your live bait on their toes.

· Determine your fishing spot

Use a topographical map, fish finder or a nice looking crappie hideout in order to plan where you intend to fish once the sun has gone down. If there is a location with adequate cover, this could be a great area to begin, particularly if there is still bait fish in the area.

· Use a lamp or a flashlight in order to attract smaller baitfish

With the use of a green light that is submerged beneath the water, you will be surprised how many baitfish will come right up to your boat. This, in turn, will attract the crappie as where the food goes, the predators are not far behind. Try and get a light that you can submerge at least five feet as this will provide you with a much better shot at attracting crappie in the dark.

· Use chum in the area you are fishing

In addition to bringing your fishing gear for crappie fishing you must also bring chum. The use of rather small bait fish such as minnows and bait fish that are cut up into small pieces and then tossed into the water will create a smell that will be irresistible to crappie. Once you have set up your light and have your chum in the water for around 30 minutes or so then you can begin fishing. Start with your bait around a foot above the floor of the lake. Gradually raise your lure foot by foot until you begin getting some bites. Once you start getting your bites you will now know where your fish are holding at. You will then be able to catch a remarkable amount of fish.

In addition to fishing, you can try out some great fishing games to keep yourself entertained during the times when you cannot make it out to the water.

How To Smoke Fish

So now that you have gone fishing and caught your fish you are ready to fry them up the same old way you always have while wishing that you knew how to smoke your fish instead. In order to smoke fish, you will need to stock up on a few pieces of equipment such as a Big or Little Chief smokehouse. Once you have this, the sky is the limit.

* Begin by sectioning the fish, splitting it along the backbone. Remove as many smaller bones as you can along with any ragged edges and blood. Now cut the remaining pieces into small chunks and rinse.

* Either purchase a pre-made brine or you can create your own by starting with warm water in a ½ quart. Dissolve either your own seasonings or that of the brine into this water and then add another ½ quart of water that is this time, cold. Place the chunks of fish into the mixture and submerge them completely in a bowl that is either stainless steel or glass. The bowl should never be aluminum. Let the chunks soak in your refrigerator between 4 and 6 hours for chunks that are rather thin and 8 to 12 hours for thicker chunks. You can cut the soaking time down significantly if you meat had been frozen as this helps the meat to absorb much more quickly.

* After they are done marinating, remove the pieces from the brine and rinse them once again in cool water. Put them onto paper towels in order to pat the pieces dry. Leave them sitting to air dry for at least an hour before putting them into your smokehouse.

* Now load the fish pieces onto the grills of your smokehouse and place the racks in, closing the lid. Plug in the cord to the smokehouse and you are almost finished.

* Fill up the flavor pan that comes with your smokehouse and place it into the door of the heating element. A pan that has enough fuel will begin to smoke in as little as 20 minutes, lasting around 45 minutes. It will take around two or three rounds before the process is complete. You will then want to empty out the pan and put it back into the door so that you can just use the heat of the smokehouse to complete the process of curing.

On days when you are unable to make it out to the water, try out some great online fishing games to stay sharp. It is also a very good idea to keep on top of your fishing gear tips to make sure your experience on the water is with the most appropriate equipment.

Three Must Have Crappie Baits

When it comes to fishing for crappie, there are three basic baits to choose from no matter where you are fishing. As long as you have the three of these options ready to go for your crappie fishing trip, you are sure to have a successful adventure.

Live Baits

Hands down the best live crappie fishing bait that you can choose to offer to the fish is the live minnow. Make sure that these baitfish are no longer than 2 inches in length and no shorter than one. The trick here is to keep them as hyped up as you can. This can easily be accomplished with an inexpensive aerator that can be purchased at a local outdoor store.

As you rig up for your minnows, be sure that you are using small hooks. Take your hook and hook the minnow up through its bottom lip and out through its top lip. This will ensure that your minnow can swim as naturally as possible once he is in the water. One of the best crappie fishing tips you can ever pass along is that the bait must look natural.

Jigs

If you have rather limited experience with lures used for crappie fishing, you may want to begin instead with marabou jigs. These lures are very inexpensive at just pennies a piece. They are extremely popular lures as well which means they produce results. Be sure to purchase them in sizes between 1/32 and 1/16 ounces and stay with the light colors such as yellows, greens and whites when just starting out.

Haul these pieces of fishing gear out to your fishing location and drop them to the bottom while bouncing them off the floor. After a few seconds, reel in a little bit and then start the entire process over again until you have succeeded in reeling in all of your fishing line. This will give you the advantage of working multiple levels so that you can better determine at what depth the fish are actually holding at.

Soft Plastic Lures

If you would prefer, soft plastic baits such as the plastic worm are extremely effective as well. However, the lure needs to be rather small which means no longer than three inches. Combine that with a 1/8 ounce jig head, that means it needs to be even less than three inches. Choose from styles such as sassy shad, small worm or grubs. As long as the lure somewhat looks like a minnow or shad, you are headed in the right direction. Stick with lighter colors here as well.

Successful Walleye Fishing

Getting the hang of becoming a successful walleye angler can be rather difficult as these fish are extremely skilled at avoiding capture. Walleye are referred to as short-strikers, meaning they have the ability and skill to remove your bait from the hook and get away both unhooked and unnoticed. This is largely attributed to their unique ability to take in the hook along with the surrounding water through their gills. Once you twitch your lure, they breathe in and let the hook escape right back out. Minus the food. One of the best walleye fishing tips you can ever choose to commit to memory is how to avoid this exact scenario. However, it is simple. Be patient and wait a moment before you decide to set your hook.

When walleye fishing in the summer in relatively deep water, it is usually ideal to wait to begin your fishing trip until the evening when it is dark. Once it is evening, the water temperature will start to cool which signals the walleye to begin heading to the water’s surface in order to feed. Keep in mind, however that it is extremely difficult to catch walleye and successfully release them due to the extreme changes in depth as well as temperature. The fish are simply not equipped to make the adjustment quickly enough to fully recover.

Walleye are a species of fish that are somewhat low in energy even during the peak months of spring and summer. Because of this, fishing for walleye using slower techniques that you might normally incorporate during the winter is ideal. Fish slowly by trolling at a slower speed as well as retrieving carefully using slow, gentle pulls until the fish is close enough for you to get into the boat.

If you happen to be fishing in a lake that is rather shallow, it is always best to begin fishing the areas that are filled with plenty of weeds and grasses as these are prime hiding locations for these fish. The weeds also serve to provide them with added oxygen which is essential to fish as well as air breathing mammals. With a little bit of added knowledge, the challenge of walleye fishing lessens as you perfect your techniques and approaches according to the differing weather conditions and particular temperament of the fish at these times. Always have extra pieces of fishing gear on hand as it is rather easy to lose pieces in the dark as well.

The Basics of Fly Fishing

The great thing about fly fishing is you can participate in the sport almost anywhere there is water. Regardless of whether you are fishing in fresh or saltwater, all you need to know is how to categorize your water into: cool water, warm water and cold water.

There are many different species of fish that you can aim for when fly fishing such as salmon, trout, perch, steelhead and pike. Regardless of which kind of fish it is that you are looking to catch, you will inevitably need some bait and fishing reels to lure them to you and ultimately into your boat. Because of this, your first effort should be concentrated on getting the perfect bait.

Typically when fly fishing, fishing gear such as artificial flies are the lures that are used and selecting the perfect fly for your specific situation can be a challenge at times as many elements need to be taken into account. However, with a little research into the area you are to be fishing in as well as the knowledge of what kind of fish you want to catch, choosing a lure can be easy for an employee at a bait store to help you make your decision.

You should always familiarize yourself with a number of artificial flies as it is extremely important for you to know for sure whether or not the fish you want will be enticed by your selection. If you wind up catching a fish but it is the wrong kind, this could be detrimental if you had been in a competitive tournament of some sort

Attain as much knowledge in regards to the everyday habits as well as the dietary needs of the species of fish that you are attempting to catch is imperative to your success as a fly fisherman. If the species you are interested in only feed in the shallows and you are trolling the depths, this could be the only reason for your frustration. Knowledge is power, especially when fishing!

Choosing the fish you would like to catch is all about personal preference. If you like to eat salmon or trout than chances are you have an interest in catching these species yourself. Never fish for a certain species without a valid interest in why you are looking to catch them. Unless of course you are prepared to return them to the water unharmed. Always be extremely quiet when fishing. The fish may be under water but they can hear commotion and sense disturbances in the surrounding water. Fish cautiously and always with someone else.

A Beginners Guide to Ice Fishing

Don’t put off catching that prized trout or trophy walleye until the spring. These bass fishing tips will have you planning your fishing on ice. Literally! Ice fishing can be extremely rewarding as well as exciting. It will have you praying for ice and snow every year once you come home with a few giant fish.

When planning your first ice fishing experience, there are a few things you need to prepare for before taking off. The first piece of information you will need to be aware of is how early it is in the season. Which kind of fish are you attempting to catch? What kind of bait and fishing gear are you going to need to have with you and how to you intend to keep warm?

Safety is also an important factor, particularly if you are planning your trip later in the season, in the early spring. Before ever walking on ice, you must first always determine that the ice you are about to set foot on is at least four inches thick. Checking ice reports in the area before you set out is a crucial part of ice fishing if you are being properly cautious.

Always have a checklist of everything you intend to bring with you so that you can double check to be sure you have everything you need before you take off. Having a thorough checklist of your day can mean the difference between a pleasant, smooth trip and a frustrating one.

Ice fishing houses are available in some places for a little added comfort as you ice fish. Whether you decide to bring a portable shack yourself or have the opportunity to rent on, this is one element to your ice fishing trip you will definitely want to consider.

No matter what the shack may look like, these cozy little shelters can be a luxurious advantage when fishing in extremely cold conditions. They not only provide added warmth, but also shelter from any possible winds that could make fishing downright miserable.

Ice fishing is extremely popular in some communities and the surrounding towns could potentially have a wealth of knowledge and fishing tackle tips that they could provide an angler that is new to the world of fishing on ice as ice fishing is certainly another productive way to pass the time during the winter months. Trophy fish never need to wait to be caught until the weather warms up. You just need to get onto the ice and get to work!

What you Need to Start Fishing

Many people are confused as to what sort of equipment they will need to have on hand for their first initial introduction into the world of fishing. Fishing gear is an important part of the sport as the quality and types of pieces of equipment can directly lead correlate with your success as an angler.

The first step in acquiring the right kind of fishing gear is knowing what kind of fish you will be fishing for or at least a group. If you are deep sea fishing for large tuna, you will certainly need different equipment than if you are fishing in lakes for trout. However, for now we will assume you are beginning with smaller fish such as trout. In this case, you will want to look at rod and reel combinations such as the Zebco 33. This is a rather inexpensive set that will get you accustomed to your new sport without breaking the bank. This set also comes with some 10 lb test fishing line and this will be appropriate for smaller fish up to around 7 pounds.

The next items you will need to acquire are some fishing hooks. Choose live bait hooks in sizes #8 to #6 along with some rigs, and weights between 3/8 of an ounce and ¼ of and ounce. These pieces along with some live bait such as nightcrawlers should have you in rather good shape for some beginning fishing.

If you would prefer to start out using artificial bait, you will also want to begin with a set of 1/0 hooks as well as some 3/16 weights. If it is crappie, bass fishing or perch that you are looking to reel in, then start out with some smaller chartreuse and white jig heads that are similar in color to grubs.

Over time, as you become more familiar with the processes and procedures of fishing, you will find that your choices in lures and other equipment will evolve. However, for now, these pieces will get you accustomed to your new hobby. In the mean time, you will also find it beneficial to read as many books, articles and magazines pertaining to fishing as you can get your hands on. Learning about a sport that is new to you whenever you can will help you become more efficient, faster. In no time at all, you will impress your friends with your new skills.

Fishing For Crappie Using Flies

One of the most captivating kinds of fly fishing is crappie fishing. When it comes to crappie fishing, both dry and wet flies are perfect for catching your fish. Dry flies work best on days that are rather calm, still or sunny. Once insects begin to hatch, smaller surface feeding fish are great candidates for using your dry fly. As long as you are sure that the color of your fly is similar to the natural prey that the crappie are feeding on, these flies should have no problem helping you with your crappie fishing duties.

You will also notice that you get the best results when fly fishing if you are using streamers and nymphs. Both of these lures are fished beneath the surface of the water. On days when the weather or water seems a bit rough, these are the perfect lures to pull out of your arsenal.

During the spring, crappie will begin to head for water that is shallower. Unfortunately, this means that they will usually be more easily spooked. If this is the case, using a fly is optimal due to its lightness in weight as this will mean it will cause less commotion while also appear lifelike.

On the hot summer days, try either wading or boating in order to fly fish. Find your way into areas of the lake that are dense with weeds, brush and other vegetation as this is where crappie will tend to linger in warmer weather.

Never be too anxious to catch a fish, however. Crappie are smart animals and they will often nudge or brush up against a fly before taking a bite so that they can determine whether or not the bait is worth a try. Wait until you are sure that you have a fish on the line before you set your hook.

Fishing during the night for crappie can also be another exciting form of crappie fishing. Use a latern in order to attract mosquitoes which will also attract insect hunting baitfish. You can also float or submerge a waterproof light in order to ensure that you are attracting both crappie as well as baitfish. You can fish at night from shore, a boat or even from the edge of a dock and still have success as long as you have a light source along with you to attract what attract your fish.

On days when you are unable to make it out to the water, try out some great online fishing games to keep you entertained.

Learning How to Cast

Most fishermen who have mustered up the interest in learning to cast properly respect the strict importance of learning how to perform their cast correctly and with finesse. With just a few spare hours invested in practicing your technique each day, you can eventually learn how to cast like a fly fishing professional. Additionally, familiarizing yourself with your fishing reel will also help you to assert more control over your equipment as well. Regardless of which method of casting you prefer to focus on, you should always keep in mind that every cast will require you to do so with your wrist and not your arm.

Overhand casting:

When learning how to perform the overhand cast you will want to think of yourself as if you were standing in front of a large clock. With this in mind, picture your target to be at the 3 o’ clock mark. Face 3 o’ clock directly, with your elbows into your sides raise your rod sharply straight up and back in the direction of 10 o’ clock. With your wrist, whip your fishing rod back out in front of you, releasing the lure at the 11 o’ clock mark.

Sidearm casting:

Once again, stand and picture yourself facing the face of a large clock, again with your target as 3 o’ clock. Hold the rod level to the floor or ground as if it were the water. Sharply move the fishing rod to the level of your waist where the 7 o’ clock would be. Now, using your wrist, whip your rod in front of you and release it at the 6 o’ clock mark.

Underhand casting:

Hold your fishing rod where your waist is, keeping it parallel to the floor. This means that your fishing rod will be at about a 45 degree angle from where your target is. Lower the lure until it is around 7 inches from the tip of your rod and in one quick and smooth motion, outline a half circle using the tip of your rod, releasing your lure once the rod reaches the bottom part of the circle. Be sure that you are only using your wrist while at the same time, keeping the tip of your rod pointing down.

Once you are perfecting your technique on water, situate yourself only as far away from that water as the clarity of it allows. As long as you are near enough to remain accurate and consistent in your practice, you will eventually become a successful fly fisherman with exceptional technique.

For more information on Fishing or if you are interested in other fishing info, WFN.tv offers great fishing guides on Crappie Fishing, Sport Fishing, Bass Fishing and more. I used WFN as a main source for my information and I encourage all novices to continue learning from the WFN pros and experts.

Understanding Crappie

Understanding Crappie

Most crappie anglers know that crappie will eat practically anything they can get. This includes minnows, insects, crustaceans, threadfin, gizzard shad and other small fish as well. Crappie have extremely large appetites. They typically feed at all times from dusk until dawn. While these fish usually prefer to avoid the bright light of the sun, they will only begin to feed less once the water temperature dips below 50 degrees.

Luckily for the crappie angler, this species is rather active year round. However, if there is any better time to catch these fish it is typically during the spring and fall months. Since during the winter, crappie will tend to stay out of shallower water, the spring is when the water begins to warm and they will venture out of their hiding places and into more accessible depths.

If there is ever a more difficult time in which to catch these fish it is usually during the winter once their spawning is complete and they begin to head back toward deeper waters. It is at this time that they will only return to the shallower parts in order to feed in the lowly lit dusk or dawn hours.

The absolute best time for crappie fishing is usually during the fall as this is when the water just begins to cool down and the crappie start to focus on preparing for the upcoming winter by fattening themselves up. They will usually be found in rather close proximity to their pre-spawning locations and will typically respond rather well to jigs. However, as soon as the water heads into the mid 40 degree temperatures the crappie will head to deeper water and it will then be a bit more difficult to determine where they are at.

One of the best crappie fishing tips is that crappie love to linger in any areas where there is cover. This can be the shade of docks, fallen trees, weeds or wreckage. Anything that is submerged in the waters that could serve a fish as a proper hiding location will be a perfect place to begin looking for your fish.

When fishing these structures, vertical jigging is the best way to go. Once you have determined what depth they are lingering at for the day, all you have to have is patience. Keep on fishing at that depth until you have all of the crappie that you could want.

Knowing How to Play A Fish

Every angler loves the exciting rush that is felt once you have successfully coaxed that fish into taking the bait that you have presented. However, it is now time to get your prize into that boat. Here are some helpful tips on how to go about this:

Lures with treble hooks can sometimes result in the bass hooking himself once he strikes. However, this is not an occurrence that happens every time. The bass’ jaws are rather strong and it will take a good, direct impact in order for a decently sharpened hook to penetrate the mouth of this fish.

With Crankbaits, you will want to jerk back on your rod as soon as you feel an impact. You will then want to reel in until you feel your line tighten. Since the impact of the strike of the fish will often set the hook itself, ensuring and maintaining the right pressure on the rod can imbed the hook even deeper. Knowing how to use your fishing gear properly can pay great dividends out on the weather.

With topwater baits, it is usually a good idea to wait a second or two before you decide to set the hook. If you overreact and happen to set the hook too soon, you run the risk of yanking this lure right out of the bass’ mouth.

If you are using lures with single hooks such as spinnerbaits, plastic worms, or jigs, these lures will indeed require a strong set of the hook since the bass will usually completely swallow the hook. You will need to drive it to a place where there can be a more solid strike.

Be sure to never set your hook here using the technique of the slack line. Once you feel the bass bite, face it with the rod in between 10 o’clock and 11. Once you have done this, drop the tip of the fishing rod and quickly snap the remaining slack out of your line using a rapid, overhead movement. Always remember to set your hook using a jerking motion in a forceful, upwards motion.

Be sure to adjust your fishing reels for drag, pulling your line past the tip of the rod or by tying a heavy object to the end of your fishing line and adjusting it appropriately. A good tip to remember is to set your drag without exceeding half of your lines pound test. Never set your drag by pulling out line from your spool as this will only serve to bury your line and give an incorrect reading of the lures pull.

Fall Crappie Fishing Tips

It is not uncommon for many fishermen to begin to pack up their fishing reels and other fishing gear as soon as fall hits. This is a mistake as crappie fishing can be extremely exciting as soon as the weather begins to cool. Many times, it can even be more productive than any other season since there are significantly less people occupying the rivers and lakes which means less noise to scare off the fish.

Crappie fishing in the fall has been discouraged by anglers due to the fact that these fish tend to scatter at this time of year making it a little more difficult to locate them. During the fall, the temperature of the water will usually even out and become the same temperature in all depths. Since the oxygen levels also increase at this time, crappie are free to linger about at any depth they choose.

Crappie fishing tips for the fall are somewhat different than you might be accustomed to for the warmer months. You will need to know which kinds of baits will work the best for this time of year. Many anglers will agree that a crappie cannot pass up a minnow. Since fall is when they will be storing up for the winter, you may want to stock up on minnows for your fall fishing.

You will always want to keep the length of your artificial lures fewer than 3 inches in length. If you would instead like to fish using live bait, stick with crayfish or worms making sure to keep them as active as possible in a cooler.

Crappie can generally be caught at any time, night or day however, the best times when they are most likely to be active themselves are usually going to be in between the late evening and early morning hours. Sometimes shining a light will lure the crappie right to you as lights also attract insects and bait fish that the fish will settle for as well.

If you happen to be fishing in a low visibility area, your best bet when choosing your fishing gear is to select lures that make a sound. The sound vibrations will travel through the water and render your fish curious.

If however, you are fishing in water that is rather clear, smaller jigs, spoons, bladebaits and crappie plugs will all get a reaction from the fish. If you want to keep it simple though, always stick with minnows and jigs. Crappie fishing in the fall isn’t as hard as it seems. All it takes is a little patience and technique.

Reeling In A Fighting Fish

Once your prized fish feels that hook stuck it its mouth, it inevitably struggles to break free. This typically is demonstrated by the fish swimming against the line, making long runs, jumping and wiggling about. Interestingly, each different species of fish has a different style in their fight to get free. Some will swim around obstacles and some will thrash wildly about. So bass fishing can be very different from crappie fishing.

Fish that have been hooked in somewhat shallow water are far more likely to leap and act frantic than the fish that are caught in deeper water as deep water fish tend to head straight for the bottom of the lake or ocean.

However, it is possible to hook quite a few smaller fish by just reeling them right in. Sure, they will fight, but the fight that they are capable of is usually not strong enough to have any effect on the line or the rod. Using light tackle can get many fish to put up a fight no matter how small they are.

If you prefer to catch your fish and then release them back into the water, be sure that you are not fighting with the fish for very long as these creatures can die from wearing themselves out.

If you are fishing for bigger fish and it decides to run, do not try and reel in once your fish begins to swim away from the line. Once the hook has been set all you have to do is set your drag. If you are working with test of around 12 pounds, you will want to use 4 drag pounds. Keep your rod at a 45 degree angle in relation to the water, aiming right at your fish.

Once the fish begins to slow down and less line is being taken out, you will now want to pull the rod gently up and, as you lower it, the reel down with a pumping motion. Do this in smooth, small strokes instead of abrupt or large ones. Doing this will ensure that your line is tight and will also keep your fish more calm.

If the fish happens to run again, let him do so. This time you will notice his run is somewhat slower and shorter. However, you do not want to let your fish rest and then be able to take off again. If your drag is not being used you should be reeling in.

Fly Fishing for Crappie

One of the most exciting forms of fly fishing is fishing for crappie. In crappie fishing, it is best to use both wet and dry flies. On sunny, calm and still days where the sky is without clouds, you may find that dry flies are the most effective. Once smaller fish hatch, they tend to feed on surface insects. As long as you make sure that the color of your fly matches whatever your fish are used to feeding on, then you will great results with these flies. The best way to go about fly fishing is usually using streamers and nymphs. Both of these are fished beneath the water.

Although you may believe that since there are so many crappie out there, they are easy to catch. If that was the case, you wouldn’t see so many bored anglers waiting for a bite. Still, crappie fishing is and will remain a popular activity for quite some time and what keeps anglers on the hunt for these fish is simply how coveted the taste is. Many people consider crappie the best tasting fish and because of this, it is a good thing that with the proper knowledge they are relatively easy to catch. When crappie bite, they are difficult to detect at times with their light touch and especially when using underwater lures. When using dry or wet flies, it is usually easier to notice movement and motion at the end of the line.

Once the spring rolls around, crappie begin heading out for the more shallow areas of the water. They are also rather skittish, spooking easily at this time as well. When fishing for crappie during this time, using a fly is the best option due to its lighter form. These lures not only won’t cause any commotion, but they also exhibit an extremely lifelike look to them.

In the warmer summer months, consider either fly fishing in a small boat or fishing while wading. Make your way for any fallen trees, stumps beneath the water or any dense vegetation or fallen brush. Crappie love to hide from the sun within these structures.

Never be too anxious to hook your crappie. You never know when a fish has simply brushed on by and taken the hook. Be sure that you wait until the crappie has returned to the water before you decide to set your hook.

Home Made Lures for Bass Fishing

Creating your own bass fishing lures has many advantages. Not only is it easy on the wallet, but it also allows you a way to customize and tailor your very own lures any way you see fit. All you need in order to get started are pliers, lure making wire, rubber spinner skirts, inline spinner bodies, buzz bait blades, beads and rivet collars. Making custom fishing gear can also be an enjoyable experience.

Begin by holding an 8 inch piece of wire between the jaws of some needle nose pliers. The wire should be held no more than an inch from the end of the wire. Slide a hook onto the end of the wire.

Turn the wire around the hook and pliers with another pair of needle nose pliers, forming a loop. Pull the loose end of the wire up beside the main part of the wire and bend it around, closing the loop and securing the hook and remove your pliers.

Now you will slide a rubber skirt onto one of the inline spinner bodies onto the wire along with one or two of your colored beads right after. This will add some weight onto your bait when casting and help it sit in the water when you are retrieving.

Take the wire and bend it about three 3 inches above the loop in the end of the wire that you just made. Use your pliers to bend it down to form a half inch wide U-shape and measure a quarter of an inch down that shape from the bend. Now bend it out at a right angle.

Finally, measure around an inch and bend the wire once again with the pliers so that it now points downward. Put a buzz blade on the free wire end pointing down and follow it with a rivet collar. Be sure that the wide, flat rivet end is right next to the blade. Bend the wire just below the rivet at a right angle in order to finish the buzz bait. Trim the wire a quarter of an inch below the rivet and your lure is complete.

Making your own lures is rather simple in the steps that it takes but it can take a bit of practice and finesse in order to master it. Stay patient and keep practicing and before long you will have caught your own fish with your very own lure. This can make fishing even more fun.

Early Spring Bass Fishing Lures

Once the bass season begins in the spring and begins to get underway, using the absolute best fishing lures possible is the most important part of your approach. Each of the lures outlined here are extremely effective for fishing for bass in a lake. The more practice you can get with any of these baits, the better success you will have in your bass fishing. You can practice your skills and technique outdoors and on online fishing games during the offseason.

1. Crayfish: Imitations of crayfish come in many different varieties throughout the spring and each one of them is effective. In still to slow moving waters, a rather slow crankbait is a great lure. If the current is minimal, soft crayfish plastics are perfect for catching bass in the spring. The key is to recognize how live crayfish look to the fish. A crayfish that might be fleeing will jump and swim backwards when something startles it. This would mean you will need to mimic this action with your retrieve.
2. Crankbaits/Crayfish Colors: Red, dark red, black or brown colored crankbaits that act like baitfish are perfect early spring lures for bass fishing. If they are retrieved in the correct manner and quickly through shallower waters with rocky floors, these baits will work the best. Because bass like to go for crayfish colors in the spring, a lure in these colors could work quite well even if it doesn’t resemble a crayfish exactly. This is particularly true once the temperature of the water rises as well.
3. Spinner Baits: Once the water in the lake you are fishing in warms up, you will find that the bass are reacting more and more to spinner baits. These lures are also great for finding spring bass that are feeding on a particular body of water. Spinnerbaits that are fished through and over brush are a wonderful technique that can be used all throughout the year. However, the absolute best time for these baits is during the summer.

Each of these early season bass fishing lures will most assuredly help you in order to catch a significant amount of springtime bass. Be sure that you add each and every one of these lures to your fishing gear collection as soon as you possibly can. Any serious bass angler should always have a few of these baits in their tackle box, particularly once springtime rolls along. Be sure to practice with your lures and watch the bass just flock to your line.

What Do You Put In Your Trout Fishing Tackle Box?

Determining what it is that you need to bring with you and pack inside your fishing tackle box is a lot more simple than it may sound. First, ask yourself exactly what it is that you will need to bring in order to ensure that you enjoy your trip. It is usually as simple as that. If you are gearing up to go trout fishing, there are a number of different pieces of tackle that you can bring with you. Of course, you will need a fishing rod. For a beginner, you may want to start with a lighter action rod and reel combination. This will give you just enough versatility as you gain more experience.

Lighter rods will usually serve rather well when you are fishing for trout. That is unless you happen to hook a fish that is somewhat large on the end of your line! Even so, you will want to avoid the temptation of running out and purchasing the extra light fishing reels as this could be just as bad.

You will also want to purchase a variety of lures to bring with you in your tackle box. Start with purchasing some rooster tails and try to keep the colors rather basic. You won’t need any bright, over the top colors at this time.

Consider sticking to standard colors like silver and white as these are the familiar colors of the baitfish that trout are accustomed to hunting. Don’t forget your fishing hooks! Keep them as small as you possibly can when fishing for trout as hooks that are too large can tear through a trout’s mouth.

Some anglers also tend to bring along corn, worms or cheese as bait. Surprisingly, all three of these work exceptionally well when it comes to trout fishing. Consider this when packing your tackle box. Try out different baits and methods through fishing games to stay on top of your game.

Always remember to have some bobbers and sinkers on hand as well. These will come in handy for when you are deciding which form of fishing you want to do that day. You should also always have with a few fishing flies on hand but only a few.

Other than your basics, you might also find that you need things such as sunglasses and snacks for when the afternoon rolls around. You may also need a pair of pliers and cutters to cut your fishing line and extra hooks will usually come in handy as well.

Fly Fishing Bubbles

If you have entertained the thought of fly fishing with artificial flies but the last thing you want to do is spend a great deal of time learning an entirely new form of fishing, you could benefit from the use of a fly-fishing bubble. Fly fishing bubbles are the best way that you can incorporate your lightweight flies without having to know, understand and use the traditional fly fishing gear.

Fly fishing bubbles resemble bobbers in looks and have actually been utilized by anglers for many years. Even so, while it may appear as if it is a bobber, it is in fact very different. A fly fishing bubble will freely float once it is threaded onto your fishing line correctly. It is halted by a swivel that is tied to the end of your line. From here, the bubble can now be put into the water where it will then open and allow water inside.

Once water is added to the bubble, this creates weight for your casting. If you are looking to fish on the water's surface, then you will want the fly fishing bubble to be ¾ of the way filled with water. However, bubbles are most appropriate for still bodies of water like lakes and ponds.

Setting up a casting bubble is achieved by threading it onto the line making sure that the thinner end of the stopper faces the end rod's end. Once this is in place, a swivel is tied on as a stopper and then a tapered leader is added to the opposite end of the swivel and the fly is then tied to the end of the leader. The bubble is held underwater until it is ¾ full. Once it has reached its level, the stopper can then be closed.

You are now ready to cast into the water. Be sure to retrieve the line slowly as this is always the best method when you are fishing with bubbles. However, if you do not wish to fish with dry flies and you would prefer using wet flies; this can be done by filling the bubble entirely with water instead of ¾ of the way full. This will ensure that the bubble will sink into the water further.

You are now fully informed on how to incorporate a fly fishing bubble into your bag of tricks. All you have to do now is get out onto the water and practice your new skill. Don't be surprised if this new method of fishing quickly becomes your favorite!

Loopholes in Fly Fishing

If you have been curious about fishing using artificial flies but you would rather not invest the expense and time it takes to learn how to go fly fishing, you may want to consider the use of fly-fishing bubbles as these are the greatest way that you can fish using lightweight flies without also having to incorporate the usual fly fishing tips and equipment.

Fly fishing bubbles look similar to a bobber and have been around for quite some time. While it may resemble a bobber, it is actually rather different. A bubble floats freely when properly threaded onto your line. It is stooped by a swivel being tied onto your lines end. The bubble is then guided unto the water where it opens, allowing water into the bubble.

When you add water to the bubble, it adds weight to your casting. When you want to fish on the surface of the water, the bubble should be filled ¾ of the way with water. Bubbles are best utilized in stiller waters of ponds and lakes.

A casting bubble is set up by it being thread onto the fishing line with the thin end of the stopper facing the end of the fishing rod. A swivel is then tied on in order to act as a stopper and a tapered leader is then added to the other end of the swivel with a fly tied to the end of your leader. The stopper is not depressed onto the bubble as it is held under water. When it is ¾ full, you can then close the stopper.

You can now cast into the water, retrieving slowly as a slow retrieve is always best when using fly fishing bubbles. If you would prefer not to fish with dry flies and to use wet flies instead, the bubble should then be filled completely with water as this is how the bubble will sink further.
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Now that you are aware of how you can use a fly fishing bubble, you can now get out there and begin practicing. With this small piece of gear, this will soon become your new favorite method of fishing with significantly less time, money and effort that it might normally take an individual to learn when fly-fishing in the traditional sense. While this method still may take some practice and experimentation, you will find that the time just flies by.