Thursday, November 02, 2006

Trout! The Hunt is On.

Trout come in a variety which include, brown, rainbow,brook,steelhead and cutthroat. They mainly live in North America, Asia and Europe, but they have been taken into other parts of the world because fishermen love trout for their size, colour and for the great sport of catching them.

Mainly you will find trout in cooler rivers and lakes. If you see fast flowing water turns to a slower pace or where deeper water turns to shallow, this is a good place to start looking. Trout fishing can be fun and sometimes these fish can try your patience because of their moody temperament.

Everyone has their favourite bait for catching trout and if you find something that works for you then stick with it, but if not here are a few ideas on what you could use.
Salmon eggs,crayfish,minnows,earthworms,insects,spinners,you should also consider using something out of the ordinary like a corn or a piece of marshmallow. All anglers seem to use the same baits and if you could come up with something different that the trout are feeding on ,you could be onto a good days fishing.

Fly fishing is another good way to catch trout. There are a number of different flies on the market to choose from and it is always good to have a selection. Some of the flies on the market do not resemble any insect or fly at all. This is because they are not supposed to as they are mealy food recognition as appose to imitation.

The feeding habits of the trout change from species to species as well as time of day and difference in waters, fast or slow. Many factors have to be taken into consideration when fishing for trout and no one thing can determine weather you get it right or wrong.

Trout are a very cunning and unpredictable fish and the more time that you spend practising the easier it will be to make the right choices to enable you to master this species. These fish will take a lot of time and patience to overcome, but if you can put in the time and gain the knowledge you will need your rewards will be worth it in the end.

Try to remember you do not need to imitate a specific fly or insect to catch these fish so try going for something that does not resemble any of flies you usually use. Give it a go, you may be pleasantly surprised and good luck.

Jeff Ryall runs a fishing website that focuses on information about fishing and fishing related products. You can enjoy reading tips, tricks and techniques about fishing at his site at http.www.fishermansfriend1.blogspot.com

Friday, October 06, 2006

How To Catch More Bass Next Time!

Going on a fishing vacation can be fun especially when you are fishing for bass.
Fishing a new lake or a new piece of water can be really exhilarating and down right frustrating. .Below are a few tips to help you on your way.

A good idea might be to hire a fishing guide, especially if you are new to the area.
He would be able to give good advice on where to fish, what time is best in a specific area and which techniques work well on that particular piece of water.

Another idea is to do some research on the lake or piece of water you are going to be fishing. You could read about the water in question in magazines or on a website. The more time spent now in learning where the best places are to catch the fish and with what bait the better the chances of having a good days fishing. Also go to the local fishing shop and ask some of the local fishermen where they have had their best days fishing.

Bass like to stay close to rocks, trees or similar places and in the mane will stay away from open waters, so if you do not get any other information here is a good place to start. Start with one bait and try for a while and if the fish are not biting, change tactics and try something different.

Sometimes the bass will be found in ledges or in intersections of water. These fish will go for a variety of bait, try artificial worms or a pumpkin seed colour.
Bass will very often stay close to their spawning area and this should be fished if at all possible. Try using spinners that are light in colour and fish them just under the surface to attract the fish.

When trying to catch bass cast your bait close to rock formations or shaded areas as well as trying different baits and tackle. Remember this is a vacation, so do not take it to seriously, relax and enjoy the time you have to fish ,it will soon pass and you will be back at work . What could be better than being out in the sun and fresh air with no work or mobile phones to distract you and catching a net full of fish? Oh heaven.


Jeff Ryall runs a fishing website that focuses on information about fishing and fishing related products. You can enjoy reading tips, tricks and techniques about fishing at his site at http://www.fishermansfriend1.blogspot.com

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

The Right Equipment for Freshwater Fishing!

The Right Equipment for Freshwater Fishing!

When it comes to fishing, the right equipment is essential if you want to actually catch anything. It can literally be the difference between having cramp in your hand and fishing effortlessly. One piece of equipment that is extremely important is the fishing reel.

The Different Types of Freshwater Fishing Reels

Long gone are the days when fishing included a long stick and a limited length of fishing line. These days, high tech equipment is often used including high tech rods and high tech fishing reels.

There are three main types of freshwater fishing reels. These are:

• Spin casting Reels

These reels are placed on top of the rod and are ideal for beginners as they are easy to use and inexpensive.

• Bait casting Reels

Bait casting reels also sit on the top of the rod. They are otherwise known as ‘Casting reels’. They offer fishermen more control while fighting a fish and casting a fish inland. Their downside, however, is that they can be difficult to use, so they are definitely not good for beginners. They are also susceptible to ‘Backlash’ which basically means the line becomes tangled.

• Spinning Reels

Spinning Reels hang below the rod and are often a lot more expensive than other types. However, they can cast further and are also more versatile. They are easy to use and are suitable for beginners. The great thing about these reels is that the handle can be changed to suit either right or left handed people.

The Various Components That Make Up the Fishing Reel

So, you know the types of reels available, but what about the components of the reel? There are various factors you need to take into consideration before choosing the right one for you.

The Spool varies in size and it is the part of the reel that holds the line. Each Spool holds a different amount of fishing line and therefore, you need to choose carefully which size you will need. When purchasing your Spool, look for how much weight it can hold and how long it is. You will see a listing similar to 10/250 or 15/160 that basically means it holds 10 pound test and there is 250 yards of line, or it holds 15 pound test and there is 160 yards of line. It’s really simple once you know what you are looking for.

The ‘Bail’ is another thing you have to consider. There are two settings on the Bail –‘open’ and ‘closed’. It is what stops the line coming off the Spool. Before you are set to cast your line, you open the Bail. Once you have cast the line, you should turn the handle as this closes the Bail. Once the handle is turned, it makes a clicking noise that simply means that the Bail is closed. You will not always hear the click, but don’t worry if you don’t.

The Drag makes it hard for fish to pull more line from the Spool. When a fish is fighting with the rod, the rod absorbs the shock and the Drag engages and makes it more difficult for the fish to get any extra line. It is always worth checking the drag throughout the day, just to see that it is properly set.

Overall, the best type of freshwater fishing reels are the Spinning Reels because of their versatility and their ease of use. They may be more expensive but they are definitely worth it and they should last a long time!

Jeff Ryall runs a fishing website that focuses on information about fishing and fishing related products. You can enjoy reading tips, tricks and techniques about fishing at his site at http.www.fishermansfriend1.blogspot.com

Thursday, September 14, 2006

Freshwater Fishing For Trout!

Every trout-fishing enthusiast has their own tried and true opinions on successful trout fishing. Although their approaches may vary, most fishermen agree that following certain methods for trout fishing will yield a better catch and a lot of enjoyment.

If you’re fishing for trout, you will find them in cold-water streams, rivers, lakes and ponds throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Trout are more easily snagged in early spring and autumn. Rainbow Trout, however, have been known to be active in the summer. Golden Trout, which can be found in the High Sierras at altitudes above 10,000 feet, tend to congregate in larger numbers in the summer.

During the spring and fall, trout tend to concentrate heavier in pools, behind boulders and other barriers and sometimes under cascading falls.

Deep cuts near the outer rim of a river/stream bend may also yield schools of trout. Lake and pond-dwelling trout tend to run parallel to drop-offs (10’-40’), while they have a tendency to traverse more shallow water in the spring.

Bait selection depends on many variables, but the most common selections are salmon eggs, spawn bags, worms, small minnows, wet or dry flies, 1-2" spinners, 1-2" crank baits, 1-2" spoons and bait rigs.

While Brook Trout seem to have a particular liking for worms, small minnows, spoons and small plugs during spring and summer, the most popular method for the most part seems to be wet flies, dry flies and streamers.

Brown Trout, however, seem to react best to dry fly fishing, as they tend to be more active on the surface, yet wet-flies and streamers also meet with some pretty good success. Like brook trout, brown trout tend to prefer worms and minnows in early spring.

Rainbow Trout, which are considered by some to be the ultimate prize for anglers, tend to hang out in streams and rivers. The best method to hook one of these shimmering beauties is by fly-fishing with wet or dry flies and streamers. Many anglers have enjoyed the thrill of hooking rainbows by bait fishing with worms or salmon eggs. Trolling with spoons or spinners seems to have the most impact in lakes.

Brook Trout usually run from one quarter to two pounds, while Brown Trout traditionally grow to one half to four pounds. Rainbow Trout, averaging between one-half to eight pounds, can offer quite a thrill. The granddaddy of them all, the Lake Trout, has been known to tip the scales anywhere from five to twenty pounds.

As varied as the different species of trout, so is the selection of gear with which to snag them. Things that must be taken into consideration, before bait selection, vary according to size, type of water and whether the trout are wild or commercially hatched and stocked in ponds or lakes. In general, however, spinning and fly-fishing gear seems to garner the most success. Larger fish may require 6# to 10# line or leader. Smaller fish only require 2# to 4# line or leader. However, and this is important, 2# to 4# line/leader are almost always required in crystal clear water -regardless of fish size. Lake Trout are much larger and require a deep trolling rig (bait casting) and wire leader.

SUMMARY:

Every trout-fishing enthusiast has their own tried and true opinions on successful trout fishing. Although their approaches may vary, most fishermen agree that following certain methods for trout fishing will yield a better catch and a lot of enjoyment. As varied as the different species of trout, so is the selection of gear with which to snag them.

Jeff Ryall runs a fishing website that focuses on information about fishing and fishing related products. You can enjoy reading tips, tricks and techniques about fishing at his site at http.fishermansfriend1.blogspot.com

Sunday, September 10, 2006

Fish Bait on the Cheap!

How would you like to know how to get your fishing bait on the cheap, from the local supermarket? You can occasionally find some gems tucked away on a shelf at your local supermarket. By the time it gets to late summer most fish would have had enough of the ordinary bait so what if you could go round your local Morrison’s or Sainsbury’s armed with £10, could you find an alternative. Fishing at ponds in particular and with tench and carp on my mind here are some alternatives that I think would work.

First I came to chickpeas. Dried chickpeas used to be very fashionable carp bait, but now they no longer feature and at 69p they looked a bargain. This time though I was going to go overboard and buy a bottle of oyster sauce. Soak the peas over night, then let them simmer for about an hour, then soak them in the oyster sauce for a day. This makes the peas go a darker colour when soaked.

Next came the baked beans in tomato sauce. Try to find a brand with a high salt content. Forget the healthy choice, fish like their food salty, so I would buy a bag of salt as well and sprinkle on the beans.

Salted peanuts were next on the isle, cashew nuts are also good for carp bait but as I was looking for cheap bait I went with the salted peanuts. Soak the peanuts in salty water for two days, then simmer for about 30 minutes. Attach a couple of whole nuts to your hook, with a mesh bag containing crushed nuts should do the trick.

Tuna flakes in oil.
Tuna flakes in oil as apposed to brine is best as this is good to make a ground from.
This works well for bream so I do not see any reason for not trying it for carp and tench.

Sweet corn.
Sweet corn is just as good for fish as it is for us. Sometimes the bright colours can put the fish off so its always a good idea to have a tin of black cake die. Put a teaspoon of die into the sweet corn and stir in well. Leave over night to soak, This should change the colour and will not scare off the fish.

Dog Chews and Dog Food.
Everyone knows how good dog chews and dog food can be. Frolic is very good for barbell, it’s very tough so it will stay on the hook when casting. A packet of bacon flavoured dog chews are also a good thing to have in tour bait tin, they can be cut up into small pieces to look like pellets.
Last thing on my list is a tin of dog food, a chicken flavoured large sausage. This could be flavoured up with some spicy curry powder for extra zing.

Well that’s it for now, time to put this lot to the test, good luck.

Jeff Ryall runs a sports website that focuses on information about sport and sport related products. You can enjoy reading tips, tricks and techniques about golf at his site at http://fishermansfriend1.blogspot.com

Saturday, September 09, 2006

Things to know about Fly Fishing!

Fly fishing is one of those sports where you get out what you put in.
If you put in a genuine effort you will get lots of fun and excitement from the sport.
Anyone who takes up fly fishing must have patience, be willing to practice their cast and be willing to learn about their chosen sport.

You must be willing to learn new ideas and practice them, but not keep switching from one to another. Anyone doing this will not perfect anything, always changing one idea for another and not allowing getting anything right. The ones with knowledge about their tackle, the place they are fishing at and the fish they are trying to catch will have much more success than those who just turn up not knowing anything of what they are trying to do.

There are more than 10,000 different types of flies and to find the best one for the job can be trial and error. As a rule you use bright flies on a sunny day and dark coloured flies on a cloudy or overcast day.

The green butt skunk fly is mainly black with a bright green piece of yarn, these flies are used a lot for Salmon but also used around the world with good effect.

The jock Scott is one of the best flies for most seasons and waters. This delicate fishing fly can take hours to make with lots of different materials involved.

The thunder and lightening is a deep orange, gold, brown and black, perfect for cloudy or dark days and cloudy waters. This is one of the most popular fishing flies for catching salmon today. These are just a few of the most popular fishing flies used but you do not have to stick with these, if you find a fly that works for you then great.

Dry fly fishing is when you cast your fly to a predetermined spot on the water and try to get the fish to attack the fly, but also trying to strike before the fish spits the fly back out.

Wet fly fishing lets the fly sink just under the surface and passes by the fish causing the fish to strike at the fly. The most common fish to catch with a fly are salmon, trout and most fresh water fish.

Below are some of the terms associated with fly fishing which may help you understand?
Pool an area of water where it is fast flowing and entering a deeper pool of water.
It offers good prospects of a variety of fish in the area where the water flows in.

Riffle an area where the fast flowing water is broken up by some solid object in the water, the area just behind the object in the water is often good as insects will settle here and so will the fish.

Dead water is as the name implies, very still with no current and not usually a good place to fish.

Some of the other places to find fish is where there is a shady area or vegetation growing out of the water.


Jeff Ryall runs a sports website that focuses on information about sport and sport related products. You can enjoy reading tips, tricks and techniques about golf at his site at http://fishermansfriend1.blogspot.com

Carp Fishing With Liquids!

In this article, I will try to give you a list of the best liquids to use when fishing for carp. Everyone has different ideas as to which is their favourite but I hope to give you some choices.

Ming Oil.
This liquid is a ruby, fishy blend and is considered to be one of the best warm water carp attractors when splashed over any sort of pellets to add real pulling power. Its also good in any boil mix, use 20-30 ml to per 1 kilo of dry mix.

Marmite.
Like the saying goes, you either love it or you hate it, well carp seem to love it. This is salty and very rich in vitamin B and they do seem to like it. Use between 15-30 ml with 6 eggs in a boil mix, sometimes warming the jar makes it easier to work with. Beware your bait may soften quicker in the pond, I also use dog biscuits soaked in marmite when fishing on the surface.

Corn Steep Liquor.
This is one of the biggest corn steep liquors or CSL is a brown thick liquid made during glucose extraction from maize. You can use this in a boil mix, pour it neat over ground bait or splash it over pellets. There are different qualities around and prices but try to buy one that’s not been watered down to much as it looses its effectiveness.

Liquid Molasses.
Liquid molasses can come in many different strengths and sweetness’s. It can range from top quality to a bitter black strap molasses. It’s very thick, sticky and tastes a bit like sugar that’s been burnt. This liquid is very cheap and does not sound exciting which is perhaps why more anglers don’t use it, but I find it quite good. Use it in a boil mix at 15 ml with six eggs or try it direct on pellets or something else.

Squirrel Dip.
Squirrel dip is a blend of several concentrated extracts and liquid foods. It is very reliable of getting a bite off a carp, whether it is in the warmer or colder months.
This is good whether you use it in a mix or as a dip. You can only get it through
Yateley Angling Centre or Tackle Box.

By using these liquids for carp fishing it has been known to catch carp up to 40lbs in weight but you must be sure to have the right tackle to land these big fish.

Jeff Ryall runs a sports website that focuses on information about sport and sport related products. You can enjoy reading tips, tricks and techniques about golf at his site at http://fishermansfriend1.blogspot.com

Friday, September 08, 2006

Fly Fishing and The Right Equipment!

When fly fishing you need a calm temperament, be able to switch off and keep repeating the same technique without getting frustrated. This is half the battle, the other half is the right equipment. Of coarse you need sun glasses so you don’t have to squint from the sun and maybe a hat but most importantly the tackle makes all the difference.

When choosing a rod, should you go for a modern composite graphite rod or an old fashioned bamboo rod? Should you choose a rod for one particular water or setting or go with a multi purpose rod. All these factors will come into the equation when choosing a rod to cast your flies. Talking of flies, this is another area where choice is important. Do you go for a dry fly or go for an insect replica. The colour of the fly could also be important, is there a colour for morning and a different one for night.
Another thing to think about is weather you want to learn how to tie your own flies or are you better off buying them already done.

The choice of rod and fly could also affect the decision as to what line you will use.
The type of line you use may be also be influenced by what fish you are fishing for, larger fish will need a heavier line as appose to smaller fish. You will have to decide on weather you want your line to float or sink, weather your fish feed on the surface or on the bottom.

Some anglers are quite happy to use a bomber or swim feeder, just cast their line out and relax on the riverbank and wait. Fly fishing on the other hand is much more a hands on approach; you need to be fully concentrated on the task ahead of you. Tackle decisions can make the difference between having a fantastic day and having a ordinary day.

Most fly fishermen take it very seriously; it takes patience, dedication and practice to become a good fly fisherman. Choosing the right rod can be very tricky, with lots of different people having different ideas. Below are a few choices to help you.

Fibreglass- A large number of rods these days are made from fibreglass, whether they are for fly fishing or regular fishing. The main downside of fibreglass rods is that they are heavier than graphite or bamboo rods which in turn could make your arm tired at the end of the day. Despite this they are able to take a lot of punishment which makes them a popular choice.

Bamboo- Many of the older fishermen will not here a bad word said about these rods. Of coarse this is just someone’s opinion, but they were one of the first rods to be made and are still being made today. There is a lot that goes into making a bamboo rod and for this reason they can tend to be one of the most expensive.

Graphite- These tend to be quite stiff but that doesn’t mean they are not effective.
These rods give good flexibility and are quite strong. they give good performance and they can vary in price difference and quality.

Reels are another important piece of equipment, the abel fly reel is considered one of the best around. A lot of parts are interchangeable from one reel to another making this a good choice. Also it does not matter if you are left or right handed as they can be converted easily from one to another.
Jeff Ryall runs a sports website that focuses on information about sport and sport related products. You can enjoy reading tips, tricks and techniques about golf at his site at http.fishermansfriend1.blogspot.com

Fishing for Bass!

Bass have been known to eat pray up to half there own length in size but must be narrower than the fishes own mouth. Bass will jump quickly at anything they think they can eat but can just as easily spit food out that they don’t like and for this reason you must have the correct fly with the hook in the right position to help catch the fish.
Some of the best flies to fish with are listed below.

Swimming Frog. The swimming frog as the name implies is made to imitate the frog as it swims across the water. These flies which are mainly green work well where there are often lots of frogs around naturally and are made of deer hair.

Matuka Sculpin. These flies are used to catch fish in streams or waters with weeds in available in olive and sometimes a gold colour they need to sink quite quickly as the fish eat these flies on or around the bottom.

Deer Hair Popper. Sometimes known as the original fishing flies as years ago native Americans put together feathers and hair to make a fishing fly to attract the bass. The fly is ment to imitate a bug caught on the surface of the water and attract the fish which are a few feet below the surface of the water.

The best time to fish for bass is when the water temperature is just right, usually around 68 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. With the right weather, tackle and some luck you will have a very enjoyable day.

Fly fishing can be fun in the right company. You can see who can catch the biggest fish, the most different sorts of fish or just relax on your own for an afternoon. With friends you can find out different tips, tricks and techniques which work for different people and different fish.


Jeff Ryall runs a sports website that focuses on information about sport and sport related products. You can enjoy reading tips, tricks and techniques about golf at his site at http://fishermansfriend1.blogspot.com

Information on Fishing

Welcome to my blog on Fishing, Iill be posting articles, information and product reveiws about fishing and fishing related products.
If there is any information you would like me to post please let me know.
Thank you for stopping by.

Jeff.