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Heres Why So Many Fishing Kayaks Are Sold Every Month

August 12th, 2009

It is becoming widely known that fishing kayaks are being bought up like never before. Especially in times like we are in today, people are finally realizing that the big bass boats that go 60mph are just not necessary to catch fish. A lot of people are finding fishing kayaks as a way to get on the water, and more often than not, are catching more fish than they ever did off the big bass boats.

You can sneak into 2ft deep water, back into areas where you would never find a big boat. When was the last time you seen a big rig down in the lumber yard at the south end of the lake? I get down there all the time. We used to have to anchor our big rig back there, and get out to wade fish up and down the shore.

Wading the bank worked for the most part, but usually only during the spawning season. This time of the year, the fish rarely abandon their bed for anything, even a fishermen that may have spooked them any other time of the year. Fishing kayaks allow you to spot the beds, or fish from a distance, and stay quiet and stealthy to approach them.

Another reason people are picking up so many fishing kayaks these days, is because of how easy it is to stow a kayak. With more than 3 or 4 kayaks you can easily store them upside down, tied to the ceiling in the garage. When was the last time you saw a boat you could do that with?

I have more than a few kayaks, and my fiance hates the fact that kayaks are easy to store. She thinks that I just don’t need that many kayaks, but seriously, different styles of fishing require different setups. Fishing kayaks do force people to know exactly what lures and line setups to bring on the boat for the day, because you can’t carry every setup you have with you.

Outrageous gas prices effect people buying fishing kayaks heavily. I have blown a grand on more than one occasion, just boating around on the weekend with my family. When we finally got rid of it, it hurt me to think about how much time and money went into it.

In other words, it is super expensive to run these big rigs these days. When gas got up to $4 per gallon and higher, more and more boats were sitting in the garage, just collecting finance payments. You couldn’t use the trolling motor, because the battery died so soon, and charging it was getting more expensive as well.

Times are getting tougher now a days, and more are starting to see that you can enjoy fishing kayaks for a very little investment. Fishing kayaks hold their value as well, especially if you purchase used, you can usually get what you paid for it when it comes time to sell.

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Stalking Your Prey, Location, and Sneaking Up on Fish

March 4th, 2009

Ever wonder why some guys catch more fish than others? There are several reasons this could be. The right location, the right lures, and you being quiet are the keys to success. Some folks never think about how being quiet may hurt their odds of catching fish.

I always remind my customers that fishing has no difference with animal hunting. Whatever type of animal you would want to hunt or catch, you should always stay quiet and keep the silence. Silence will keep them still and prevent them from running away from you or from hiding in the bushes. The same way goes with fishing. Whether you are fishing for small trout or big trout, being quiet will not scare them away. So if you have company when you go fishing, tell them to remain quiet and avoid making other noises.

To get more fish, go to the right location where fish would surely see your bait. Clear water is a good location for you to see the fish but not good enough for the fish because, when you become visible to them, they would definitely ignore your bait. What you can do is to go somewhere in the water where it is off-colored. This was what I noticed; fish has less visibility on off-colored water, giving you the opportunity to do the tricks on them and finally make a large catch.

Off-colored water does not mean muddy water or dirty water. Clear water makes the fish see you because of their visibility, but on off-colored water, their visibility becomes less, leading you to more hook ups. But I like better the grass flats for fishing.

On the grass flat I will use top-waters and out in the deeper water I like to throw the Sea Devils by Brown Lures in the Amber color. If the reds are up on the flats and will not touch any of those I will take a Gulp with just a hook and toss it close to them and let them smell it out and find it. This includes a few of the tips and tactics I have for the Matagorda Bay system.

Hope to see ya on the water.

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4 Types of Saltwater Fishing Reels

February 2nd, 2009

There are many different varieties of saltwater fishing reels that are out there. Depending on what kind of fish you will be trying to catch will determine what kind of fishing reel you will need. I am going to help you decide what kind of fishing reel will be best for you.

The first kind of reel that I want to talk about is the spin casting reel, which is a great reel for beginner fishermen to learn on. Spin casting reels are the cheapest of all the types of fishing reels in most cases, and they are especially great for the kids.

Although spin casting reels often run into a lot of problems, like line tangling, and breaking easy, an expensive one will last you a long time and you should be able to catch a lot of fish on it. The main purpose of spin casting reels is to hold light fishing line, making them great for the beginner learning how to fish.

The spinning reel is the next type of saltwater fishing reel that I will go over. These are my favorite types of fishing reels to use, they have an open face, and the line is kept on the spool and guided by a U-shaped bail. There is a huge selection of spinning reels by size, this is a plus if you are fishing for small fish or bigger fish.

The spool on the spinning reel stays still when you are reeling in line, and the bail will revolve with the rest of the fishing reel. Spinning reels have better drag systems than most spin casting reels, but when it comes down to it you will get what you pay for, just like anything.

Bait casting reels are for the more experienced fisherman, since they are more difficult to learn how to fish on. They sit on the fishing rod, and the fishing line comes off a spool that revolves. Once you learn how to fish with a bait casting reel they are great as you have more control when you are casting.

Bait casting reels also work great with heavy fishing line, making them a favorite for deep sea fishing for big game saltwater fish. The only bad thing about them is if you do not know how to use them you will tangle the line a lot, and they are more costly then other types of fishing reels.

When it comes to fly fishing reels, you need to know that they are only for retrieving and holding fishing line, they have nothing to do with casting. You just pull the fishing line off of the reel and then you are casting with the fishing rod using the weight of the fly and the line.

When saltwater fishing with a fly fishing reel the drag is extremely important. Another important thing you must consider is the amount of fishing line that the reel will hold, they come in many sizes and cost wise fly fishing reels can be about ten bucks to a couple hundred.

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Shimano sonora: One of the Best Shimano Reels

January 29th, 2009

Throughout time, Shimano has continued to serve all anglers out there by providing some of the best fishing reels they could find. Ever since they opened in 1921, Shimano has continued to provide some of the most durable, dependable, and top-notch Shimano Reels available. Over time, they have accumulated favorable reviews from different types of fishing aficionados out there. They have consistently garnered praise and compliments and they continue to win new fans everyday. In spite of the fact that Shimano reels are more expensive than the usual gears, its fans have learned that what they are paying for is well worth the investment. These Shimano reels are costly since they are engineered from special materials and are crammed with a variety of features that greatly benefit every fishing enthusiast. One of the most revered Shimano reels is the Shimano sonora.

What Makes It Special

The Shimano sonora is one of the most popular fishing reels created by Shimano. It may have simple designs, which sometimes mislead anglers that it might not be anything special; however, each Shimano reel is crafted to exude high-performance and quality. It will assist you every single time and will not fail you. Apart from that, each Shimano sonora is continuously upgraded and fine-tuned. Therefore, you can assure yourself that there is a specific type or model of Shimano sonora available for your style of fishing.

Each upgrade it undergoes adds to its efficiency and power. Each Shimano sonora upgrade is also only slightly more costly than the original, so for people who want to keep up with it, they will not end up burning a hole in their pockets. The innovation it undergoes is something that helps every fishing enthusiast, whether they are new to fishing or already seasoned professionals.

Even though changes in the Shimano sonora have been going on left and right, what most people love about it still remains intact: its design. It has some of the most functional yet powerful reel design that it gives you no problem whenever you are baiting fish.

The only main improvements done on the design was just to make it sleeker and elegant looking as well as making it handy so it can be brought anywhere. As for the features though, Shimano Reels focused on the element of each reel. They also added new functions on the Shimano sonora that will help to improve its performance and durability. Moreover, the Shimano sonora is easy to find, although you should be wary of imitations, authentic Shimano sonora can be found and ordered through legitimate online shops as well as land based shops.

The Shimano sonora remains to be one of the most well-loved among the Shimano Reels. Its ability to continue to perform and deliver at high standards is what keeps most of these fishing enthusiasts coming back for the Shimano sonora.

Go and find you own authentic Shimano sonora at Shimano-sonora.com now. They have a variety of Shimano reels available just for you.

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The Saltwater Fishing Tackle Basics

January 29th, 2009

Saltwater fishing requires many types of fishing tackle due to the amount of fish there are to be caught. For offshore fishing you will need heavier tackle than if you were inshore fishing in almost every case. Here I will briefly go over what kinds of saltwater fishing tackle there are.

If you are inshore fishing you will be using a light rod and reel set up. For the fishing reel I would use anywhere from 5 pound test to 20 pound test, which would be good if you were inshore fishing for some tarpon or something of similar size. Spinning rod and reel set ups are very common for fishing inshore.

The two most common types of fishing lines that are used now a days by anglers are braided and monofilament. If you are just beginning saltwater fishing monofilament line will be a better choice for you, as it is cheaper and you will be able to tie fishing knots easier with it.

For the size of line, braided line is a lot smaller, for instance you can fit more yards of 15 pound test braided on a reel than you can with monafilament line. Braided line is easier to cast and will hold up a lot longer than monofilament line. The only downside is that braided line is the most expensive type fishing line you can get.

You will need a leader line on your fishing rod set up too, this line is usually 2-4 times stronger than the line you have on your fishing reel, and should be 1-3 feet long for inshore fishing. When you are fishing offshore, especially when you are trolling the leader lines can get a lot longer.

Some of the things you might have on a leader line would be weights and sinkers. The leader line is connected the fishing line by a swivel and clip, or by tying a blood knot. The last thing on a common leader rig is the fishing hook or a fishing lure.

Fishing hooks are sorted by size, and the size of the hook is related to what number it is. For instance a size 1 hook would be good for small pinfish, while a number 10 hook would be good to catch medium sized tarpon with.

Fishing lures are another name for artificial bait, and they are made to trick the fish into thinking that the lure is a live bait fish. Lures are commonly used for offshore and inshore fishing, they come in many sizes, shapes and colors to trigger certain species of fish to attack them.

The most important thing to have whether you are fishing deep sea or on the flats inshore, is a tackle box. These are completely necessary to keep all of your sinkers, line, hooks, lures, rigs and other terminal tackle neatly organized. They are made in every size imaginable and most fishermen have several of them.

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Buying new Boat seats? Think safety!

January 27th, 2009

Whatever the kind of boat you own or are looking to buy, whether you are a professional mariner or a hobbyist, you cannot do without the right seating for your boat.

It is the case that acquirers of a second hand yacht or boat, whether for fishing or for travel, often need to get new boat seats to replace the ones of the vessel.

Besides the comfort factor, many leisure captains will also want to consider that seating is an easy-to-exchange part of the boat that does convey the owner’s personality. New boat seats can give the vessel your own imprint.

Seating is a very prominent and visible part of any boat and its quality and looks will not only determine how the boat is perceived in relation to the personality of the owner, but also its apparent value, witch would be an important consideration if you are trying to sell a boat.

Investing in new seats or upholstery is probably the best thing you can do to increase a boat’s value before putting it onto the market for sale.

There will be no lack of choice to get new boat seating, due to the amount of manufacturers and also because of the variations in material, form, quality and purpose of seating. The number of points of sale - whether online or through brick and mortar establishments - is also staggering.

You will not be stuck with lack of choice, and the great variety of sellers is actually of help when it comes to getting a good deal, so make sure that you shop around and compare.

Besides the choice issue, make sure to take safety into special consideration. You want seats that are comfortable to avoid tiring out crew and passengers, and if they are detachable you don’t want them to sink.

But their importance is also related to the fact that it would be dangerous for passengers - especially for newbies to the world of marine excursions - to remain standing while navigating in open waters, whether rough or calm, or even when traveling through most harbor and coastline areas. Also, most boat cushions double as handy emergency floatation devices in a pinch.

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Wadefishing at night with Topwaters

January 21st, 2009

Well we always hear the summer time complaints, in July and August, that it’s getting too hot to fish. Most anglers are wanting to get off of the water before lunch! Well I am going to give you an alternative, wade fishing the Baffin Bay at night! Let me tell you, this is one of the best kept secrets. The water temperatures are cooler and the Baffin Big Girls have turned into heartless predators. There is nothing more exciting about hearing a massive blow up, while fishing a top-water at night! I am going to go through the how to, when to and where to, one at a time.

Rule #1 - Do NOT go fishing at night alone! There are too many bad things that can happen at night that are out of your control. Follow these tips to stay safe:

* Make sure you or your fishing partner are very familiar with the area and that all of your night time navigational equipment is fully functional.

* Wear personal floatation devices while driving the boat.

* Make sure that someone back on the mainland knows where and when you will be fishing.

* Plan out your trip, including your first several fishing spots.

HOW: Once you are settled in at the first point, lighting is your next thing to focus on. Your boat should have an anchor light, which you need to turn on now. This alerts other boaters in the area, and acts as a guide for you in the dark. You will also want to pick up some LED headlamps from your local sporting goods store (don’t forget batteries!) to give you hands free light while wade fishing.

A glo-stick is another useful item to have while out on the water. Drape one of these around your neck and let it hang off your back to keep boaters (and hopefully your buddy’s lure) away. In case of an emergency or dead batteries you can also use this as a backup light to make your way back to the boat. Don’t get too far apart from your partner, you need to stay within talking distance at all times.

WHEN: I prefer to fish in the time before, during and after a full moon because of the extra light it provides. If you are using a dark topwater lure it will stand out that much better to those predator fish. The key is to use what I call the “Donk’s Tangler”. What you do is tie about a foot of line to the front ring on a top water lure, and then attach a dark-colored soft plastic lure on the back end with a very light fishing hook.

It’s a bit unusual, but it works surprisingly well. The action you need to work the rig is the same as any other topwater lure, but now you have the added benefit of fish striking the extra plastic lure. For me, braided line works the best in this situation because you can feel every bump and nibble on that second lure.

Also, check your So-lunar tables. I use what I call the 5 hr. window as a guide; 2 hrs before a major feeding time, the hour of major feeding and the 2 hrs after a major feeding period. Lunar tables are never a for-sure thing, but they have more than often worked for me.

WHERE: White Bluff, Black Bluff, East Kleberg Point, Alazan bay and the Tide Gauge Bar have produced numerous, night time wall hangers. This method has been very effective for me, as I am sure it will be for you. Remember keep just what you will eat! Until next time, SEE YOU ON THE WATER!

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How To Choose A Fly Fishing Net

January 20th, 2009

Usually when you’re out fly fishing you’ll choose to land your fish with just your rod and reel. Sometimes if you’re using a light leader and tiny fly you may choose to use a fly fishing net.

If you’re going to look for a fly fishing net, here are some tips for you.

What You Need To Know About the Handle Of Fly Fishing Nets

The first thing you need to understand about fly fishing net handles is the length of the handle. Choose a short handle for convenience of travel yet it’s easy to move around. Some anglers will only use one with a telescoping handle. To my mind the telescoping handle can be used for either wading or if you’re sitting in a boat.

If you choice of fly fishing is from your boat, then you’ll want a fly fishing net with a longer handle. This helps you reach the fish without falling in the water.

Frame Of Your Fly Fishing Net

If you don’t want your vest to be dragged down you’re going to want a lightweight frame. I believe aluminum or fiberglass fits the bill. But some traditionalists will tell you wood is the only choice. Whatever you choose make sure you go for a high quality net. It will last much longer and service you better.

How To choose the Material of Your Fly Fishing Bag

Fly fishing bags are made of many different materials. Cotton and nylon are preferred by those who don’t want to disturb the mucous layer of the fish. Cotton won’t last as long as a nylon bag. For those who don’t mind the excess weight, the rubber bags also work well.

Carrying Your Fly Fishing Net

Magnetic clips are helpful as they make your fly fishing net easy to release when you have a fish ready to haul in. There’s no fumbling or reaching. Other choices are spring loaded cables or Velcro. Before you buy your fly fishing net, think of how you plan to use the net whether wading or from a boat. Or if you do both buy a fly fishing net with a telescoping handle.

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South Australian King George Whiting

January 19th, 2009

[I:http://tresoryakro.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/DrCoreyFisher0.gif]The King George Whiting, first officially named Sillago punctata in 1929 by Cuvier and finally designated a name lectotype in 1985 by McKay. The fish has a number of frequently used names including spotted whiting in reference to its positioned bars of brown spots but the most commonly used name “King George Whiting”.

The King George Whiting has an elongated, slightly compressed body with a tapering head and terminal mouth. The species is distinguished by a first dorsal fin with twelve spines and a second dorsal fin with a single spine.

Of the several whiting species found, King George Whiting is the largest and most renown. It would have to be considered as one of the best table fish around, and South Australia is most fortunate to have the densest concentration of King George Whiting, in Australia.

In southern estuaries they tend to be around the size of the legal limit, but farther north, around Perth, the range is likely to be from 700g up to 1.5 kilos.

King george spawn in offshore waters from late summer to winter. The eggs are buoyant and the larvae move inshore, with the aid of prevailing breezes and currents, where they remain for two to three years. At this age they are around 28cm, but they do not mature until they are three to four years old.

There are a number of locations around the coastline where whiting may be caught from beaches. The beaches facing the ocean frequently produce fish weighing in at better than two to the kilogram. When fishing for whiting from the beach, baits do need to be secure. While firm baits like squid may survive a powerful cast, softer baits like craytail, pipi, and the flesh of other bivalve molluscs may fly off the hook. For this reason it is wise to use hosiery elastic, sold in leading fishing tackle outlets as Bait Mate, to bind the bait to the hook so it does not fly off.

Complementary flavourings for whiting are the herbs dill, basil, chives, parsley and tarragon. When whiting is grilled or barbecued, a salad of grapefruit, orange, lime and lemon, with a citrus and olive oil dressing, will complement the flavour wonderfully. Other suitable sauces and condiments are lemon and herbed butters or buerre blanc. Crusts of cumin, coriander and ground turmeric are also tasty.

EATING: A superb table fish, the King George whiting is easily filleted to avoid small bones. Possibly Australias best tasting fish.

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Discover Different Fishing Bait

January 12th, 2009

Talk with any fisherman and they’ll give you their opinion of the best bait to use for fishing. It comes down to this, if you’ve had luck with a certain kind of bait, it’s going to be the best.

When I spent time in Missouri crawfish were great for fishing especially if you wanted smallmouth bass or large trout. Now you cant find crawfish everywhere or crawdads as they call them in some places, but when you do find them use them. These little mudbugs are very effective in attracting fish.

Live minnows are used by many fishermen as the live bait of choice. It’s an especially attractive bait when you are fishing from a boat. Otherwise you’re going to have to figure out how to carry around the bait bucket.

Live worms have gotten a bum rap from TV sitcoms. Just seems people don’t know how to properly put a worm on the hook. Most people stab the worms and wonder why they don’t work. When you get the worm on the hook correctly it stretches out in a most natural way. That way the fish won’t get as suspicious.

Now some people don’t want a thing to do with live baits. Squeamish I guess or lazy. No matter. Nowadays synthetic baits are fast rivaling the living baits. Some people swear by them. Synthetics come in every shape, form and bait imaginable. You can pick up synthetic crawdads, minnows and everything and anything else you can think of. For those who want to pick up and go fishing quickly, synthetic bait offers always ready to go ease.

But when the day ends its all about getting out on the water and doing it. That’s fishing, not talking or debating the best bait. Without practice in fishing you’ll never be good. And a good angler catches the fish. So try the different baits, but most of all get out there and fish.

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