AJA-Online

Setting up for a fishing adventure doesn’t mean focusing only on where you sink your line or how pretty the weather is although those things are equally important. Salmon fishing gear is important, of course, and you will want to make sure that you take all gear into consideration. Equipment such as salmon fishing rods, salmon fishing reels , the type of line and leader that you are going to use will be most important while terminal tackle such as hooks, baits and lures, will be secondary.

Because of the variety in species of salmon as well as their many habitats, there are an infinite number of combinations that can be made to produce your ideal salmon fishing setup.

While salmon fishing tackle is available at many different rod and gun shops, not just those on the ocean but also those inland, it’s more convenient to learn about these things before you go ahead and purchase items. Lets take a look at some of the tackle you will need for a successful day out there.

Common tackle

Rods, reels, weight’s, swivel’s and salmon fishing line and leader are going to be your basic tackled needs on any salmon fishing excursion, whether on the ocean or in freshwater, casting or trolling. In all cases, your line is going to have to be of a good braid variety or “test” expensive braiding brands are often referred to as super lines. These lines are good for casting, but when it comes to actually landing the fish, results can vary from company to company. For trolling in clear water, many anglers choose clear monofilament or fluorocarbon line. The unfortunate thing about salmon fishing is that if one of these big fish manages to snap your line, you are out some pocket money, not only for the line itself but also for any lure and attractant tackle that you happen to be using (and your bobber if you are bob or float fishing!). All that and nothing to show! Make sure your line is endorsed by fellow anglers before trying it out on the water.

Common Saltwater Tackle and Gear

Different types of salmon fishing are going to call for different gear. Any ocean salmon fishing is going to mean that the salt water takes its toll on your equipment, and we’re not just talking your basic gear; if you fish in a boat, you are going to have to have your motor checked constantly- some estimates put the turnover rate for an inboard motor on the ocean at seven years. This can really add up, but there are tricks, like using fresh water coolant, that can help add life to your motor.

Ocean fishing for salmon, whether from a boat (mooching, trolling, or drift fishing) or from the shore requires some very specific salmon fishing tackle. You need hooks and weights that get the line down to the level that you want, but that also don’t pick up a lot of kelp on the way in. Bottom bouncers and lures work great for casting from a wharf or from the shore, and packed roe is one of the most successful baits. Remember that baits and lures for salmon are always based on smaller fish; bugs won’t get you a lot of bragging rights at the end of the day when it comes to salmon, unless you’re talking crawfish which are commonly reffered to by anglers as bugs.

As far as tackle and gear composition goes, it’s a must to pay close attention to detail. Fishing rods and fishing reels should be made of a material that does not corrode, such as aluminum (common in high end reels), stainless steel, graphite (this is the most popular material in ocean fishing rods), plastic, or good old wood. Don’t use equipment that is made of mixed metals; different metals will react in different ways to the salt content, and you could end up with a reel or rod that is 25% corroded; it will look fine for the most part but it won’t work.

Salmon fishing tackle considerations such as lures and bait will depend on the type of fishing you are engaging in. Fishing for salmon on the ocean will mean a lot of trolling. You will want a setup of rod, reel, and line appropriate for trolling, preferably one that can shake or flip piles of seaweed off so that the weight of the fish on the other end isn’t compounded by the weight of debris. The bait on the line is usually going to be a fish simulating device, perhaps with a few spoons to catch the eye of the salmon. Plugs are also common on the ocean when salmon fishing. It’s important to check regulations for the area you are fishing so that you don’t use a hook/lure combination that is illegal (years ago quadruple hooks were common, but regulation has meant that double hooks are now the norm in fish-like lures).

Freshwater Salmon Gear

Freshwater salmon fishing will usually mean the use of floats and live bait such as roe or prawns. This might sound like a tame way to fish, but it can be quite a rush to see that float sink in the river and realize that it might not just be a rock, but a massive Spring salmon on the end. Check the rod quick, because you will want to hook the fish before he realizes what is going on. This is done by a quick firm jig or set towards you. Slowly let your tip back towards the river with the current keeping some tension on the line, and if it keeps going down, give it another real good jig and yell fish on if you’ve got something

Casting, in freshwater can be one of the most rewarding salmon fishing experiences, especially when the costs are weighed against those incurred fishing from a boat. The tricky part can be in determining the right kind of flies or lure’s; in fact, the only type of salmon that is really going to bite on a fly are Steelhead or Coho. The flies you are going to be successful on for steelhead will depend on whether the fish are winter or summer run, and of course the kind of bugs that are around the river or stream you are casting on. The real challenge in casting for steelies is just getting the fish to bite on any flies at all. If you decide to use a lure or blade, this is a very productive way to fish for a wider range of salmon and can be used in both saltwater and freshwater.

Bottom bouncing is also a casting method used in a river system and involves lots of casting. In these methods, live bait, synthetic worms and wool are the weapon of choice by most anglers. When targeting Coho or steelhead a smaller rig is used as these fish can be easily spooked off of a huge and intimidating set-up. A couple of split-shots (or small amount of lead) and a nice compact presentation that is stealthy will work well for you for these two species. If your out for the Spring or Sockeye in a large river system like B.C.’s Fraser, or the Columbia, you’re more likely to use a larger bouncing betty and some wool while you “floss” the mouth of the King salmon, as these fish moving up the river to spawn are going to be attacking your line rather than biting it because they want to feed. Flossing is a productive way to fish that brings a good table fare, but uses much less skill than other methods and some anglers disapprove of this method.

Tip; on buying bottom bouncing weights:

Excalibur is a leading manufacturer of bouncing betty type weights that are in the midst of lead weight replacement, which is harmful to the environment. These environmentally safer weights use Tungsten nickel alloys and are 25% smaller, denser and more rigid, which means longer life, less likely to damage lines and more effective in river systems as they transmit a better bounce to the line! VERY COOL!

Specific Tackle

Choosing A Salmon Rod

As far as rods go, seven feet long rods for trolling seem to be the most recommended. The base of the rod should be able to handle a lot of weight; if you are fishing the Pacific waters in particular, you need a rod that can handle the possibility of a 50lb Tyee on the other end. Lightweight and flexible material is essential for ensuring a successful battle.

Salmon Reels

Reels for salmon fishing are usually spinning or baitcasting reels. They need to have smooth drag systems and should keep the actual act of reeling thoughtless. The tension between fish and reel should be smooth and not a jarring tension that can cause the line to snap. Since you will want to concentrate on the fish on the other end and not the actual reeling process, drag becomes very important when deciding which reel is best for you.

Salmon Fishing Line

There are different schools of thought when it comes to the right type of fishing line to use as far as your salmon fishing tackle is concerned, but in most cases the more expensive line is the best option because as my dad always said “you get what you pay for.”

Now, it doesn’t have to be the MOST expensive fishing line on the market, but higher priced lines tend to be best for clear water fishing; the less visible line will not spook a fish off of your bait. More expensive lines are also more resistant to breaking, kinking, and tangling. More times than none you are going to be paying for a new technology as the older technologies move by the wayside.

Just remember that good salmon fishing tackle is essential when it comes to having a good fishing trip. Something as simple as the proper Salmon fishing line and leader will make all the difference and If everything goes right, you will be able to break out those salmon recipes on your return home!

Information to help guide you to purchasing the proper salmon rod. Read our buyers guides for all kinds of tackle and salmon rods at Go Salmon Fishing.com

Author: Duff Gillmore
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: How Electric Pressure Cookers Work

Alaska is considered to be the perfect place for fishing. The wildlife is various and there are a lot of water areas where great diversity of fish species lives together. Alaska is famous as a region, where salmon fishing can be practiced. Salmon fishing is unique and it can be done mainly on the shores of Alaska, which attract many enthusiasts to try their luck. For the convenience of the anglers, Alaska offers great tourist overnight accommodations, called fishing lodges. Alaska fishing lodges can be the perfect place for your holiday, and very affordable too. Here are the most popular Alaska fishing lodges where many fishermen come to stay a couple of weeks.

Alaska Fishing Lodge- Custom Adventures.
The website for more information available runs as: www.wildernessplacelodge.com
Wilderness Place Lodge is situated on five private acres right on Lake Creek, its location being 70 miles northwest of Anchorage. Their lodge offers the best relaxing activities and great opportunities for adventurous salmon fishing, as well as courses in fly-fishing, world class fishing, personal and professional fishing guides. Let alone the gourmet 5-course meals, the hotels amenities and the luxurious accommodations at the meanest price- this fishing lodge offers you also the biggest opportunity to overreach your fishing standards as it is located only minutes from the best fishing place in southcentral Alaska. Their lodge also features some of the best spin and fly fishing in Alaska. In addition, you can get your adventure packages for all kinds of Alaska salmon (King, Silver, Pink, Chum and Sockeye), and also tickets for rainbow trout.

The second Alaska fishing lodge on offer is www.alaska-adventures.net . Their Alaska fishing lodge can be found 40 miles away from the town King Salmon Alaska, which is world famous for the great fishing there. Alaska Adventures Fishing Lodge is situated in the centre of Katmai National park. It offers bountiful fishing opportunities for all the 5 salmon species, including rainbow trout, arctic char and grayling. The place for fishing stands only 40 yards from the hotel, and you have the chance of going on a trip before breakfast and after dinner. You can spend 20 hours a day fishing, if you like, and it is not necessary to fight for the water with other anglers, as there are no other fishing lodges within 34 river miles and no landing place within 20 miles. And that can ensure your big catch. Their Alaska Adventures Fishing Lodge can host 20 guests, each fishing lodge cabin accommodating from 2 to 4 people. The hotel amenities consist of dining and serving room, recreation area, the hotel offers Alaska traditional wood sauna, also hot showers and flush toilets, as well as TV, DVD and satellite phone.

The third Alaska fishing lodge to be presented here is World-Class Trophy Alaska- Salmon Fishing and Arctic Char. The site for additional information is www.alaska-salmon-fishing.net
This fantastic place is reachable only on boat. The quietness and serenity offered are immense- there are no roads and airports in the district. Another way for getting there is by using the Austins tours.
Their lodge is situated on the banks of the Golsovia River, only 300 yards from the river mouth. The river itself is located on Norton Sound on the shores of the Bering Sea. The waters teem with King, Silver, Chum and Pink Salmon. Arctic Char can also be easily run against, when passing by your lure, just having swum from the pure ocean. The striking situation of the lodge its nearness to the ocean- offers immense opportunities for a real big catch. Daily quantity exceeds 30-40 during the summer (June till August being the peak time). But the owners are also trying to preserve the wildlife, and after the reaching of limits, the catch-and-release technique is practised.

Article by Robbie Darmona – an article writer who writes on a wide variety of subjects. For more information click Alaska Fishing Lodges.

Author: Robbie Darmona
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Digital Camera Information

Some of the greatest fishing in the world, is available within a mile or two away any where in the US! Many anglers miss out because their gear is too big and not sensitive enough to show them bites. Fish feed in a delicate fashion 90% of the time. In order to catch them, you need to change your ways. If you do, you can be rewarded with 500 fish in 4 hours- my record is 512.

To get in on this action, you will need a few items and, you will need to get rid of a
few old items you may be used to. It might help the reader to know that until the
Spring of 2000, I was a big game fisherman with a box full of lures and plenty of
spinning gear as my main tools for catching fish. Everything changed about the way
I fish, especially the fact that I actually caught fish, every time out. I still have not
been skunked since changing my ways. By the way, its a good thing we dont
smell like a skunk when we dont catch anything as a group of anglers, otherwise
our families would know for sure how miserable a fishing day we had. Getting
skunked (catching no fish) stinks!

There is no need to be skunked, if you follow a couple of fishing basics and
transform your gear for local waters (instead of our tackle being based on Florida
bass or Kentucky crappie or Wisconsin Muskie. Even the ultra light spinning gear
we are accustomed to using as a standard for local fishing is cutting down on our
catches! Most anglers in the US have never truly fished ultra light. Years ago I
changed my gear and I caught sacks full of fish all summer and for the first time in
my fishing career, caught fish into very late fall! I never knew that fish would feed in
late November and early December on open water!

I will give you two examples of having a blast catching fish vs. casting at them.

At a 4th of July picnic on a small pond in suburban Chicago, I was fishing with my
30 foot pole while a pack of kids nearby were busy throwing a bass jig connected
to a 2.5 inch bobber (way too big) at a weed bed extending 4 ft. out into the lake
from the edge. Their problem was simple. They couldnt cast well with the short
kids rod and closed face reels. Their giant bobber was not giving them any
indication of bites and the bass jig was too big to fit in any of the nearby fishs
mouths. Their 10 lb. line was like a cable being seen by even the aggressive fish in
the area approaching this rig (read- avoiding). When the rig was actually wet,
because these kids could not get the thing into the water near the fish because of
tangles and weeds on the jig head, it was not catching fish. Their casts couldnt
get the lure/giant bobber combo past the 6-foot wide weedy edge.

I fixed that problem by putting down my pole and setting up my shortest 7 ft.
graphite telescopic pole with a delicate float (the size of an pencil eraser) with 1.5
lb. line leader attached to a siz #14 hook and baited it with a tiny grub. I handed the
pole to the first kid and she caught a chubby blue gill within 5 seconds. With this
non-mechanized fishing pole there was nothing to getting the bait just 6 feet out,
past the weed bed. The kids could easily put the bait in front of the fish. As for the
fish, they could easily pull under the tiny natural bait with the small hook and the
float, which was about 1/30th the size of the bobber. The sensitive rig picked up on
the fish sucking in the tiny bait immediately so the kids could react.

Sure, I had to stop fishing for a while, but I had a blast with this pack of 6 kids. My
newly adopted friends were out-fishing the guys with spinning gear working around
the pond 40:1 !

The reason most kids dont catch is those short little kids rods. Kids rods come
with the Mouse on the box, wrapped in plastic as one unit and are way too short.
The closed face reels are not bad, but the short rods require a giant 55-gallon drum
bobber which are often sold with these kits. Every angler in America should own and
use a cane pole to fish with! A pole with no reel!

On another day that summer, with nothing more than the cane pole, I won the 1st
day of the U.S. Open with a top weight of 19.75 lb. of blue gill caught in 4 hours.
The answer to this victory was the simplicity of my rig and the size of my line using
a tiny hook. By using this cane pole (really composed of graphite) I was able to fish
quickly for blue gill that were in front of me. The conditions that day had them
feeding in past the first break of the shoreline and were only 8 inches of water. My
rig allowed me to get the bait out to the fish easily, accurately and quickly. Most of
the other anglers in the match were fishing much farther out. My neighbor had a 60
foot pole!!! He was 58 feet past the fish with his expensive gear and I crushed his
weight by 83% using little more than what Huck Finn used — a cane pole. Some
competitors were even casting far out into the lake some 70 yards away. On this
day, AS MOST DAYS IN OUR LOCAL LAKES, the plentiful smaller fish caught in great
number, will offer you success as an angler.

I would brag even more about that U.S. Open, but my teacher Hall of Fame Angler-
Mick Thill, came from behind and crushed me in day 2 to win the tournament
overall, I finished 2nd.

Here are details on setting up to fish for most every fish in your local ponds. Follow
these (8) steps and you will have a pan fish blast of your own.

1. Consult local bait store owner.

They will give you great information on local ponds and you should be able to buy
some floats, and the rest of your gear below. While not every store owner is great
for information, most can get you to good fishing spots. To start,find waters with
panfish. Panfish are abundant and for the most part active. This will provide you
with a chance to catch fish.

2. Throw out your bobbers and purchase a couple small floats.

Bobbers are no good. Red and white are the worst. Throw them out or save them as
museum pieces. America is about to find out what the rest of the world has known
for 2,000 years. Floats catch fish. Even if you must cast larger float, a properly
balanced float will crush a round bobber every day. Slip bobbers are not as good as
floats either. This is because the line comes out the top in a slip float and catches
wind, current messing up the presentation.

3. Get some good fishing line

6 lb. test is overkill for pond fishing. Use 4 lb. with an even lighter 4 – 6 leader line
to the hook. If a fish feels the line, they are gone. If the fish sees the line, they are
gone. Your leader should be 2 lb.!
Fish feed by sucking their feed in with water. If the line is heavy, it gets sucked in
slower. Most of the time, heavy line is just spit back out. Fish can spit a poor
presentation out faster than you can see your float move up on the surface! With
heavy line, you can miss hundreds of fish bites each time out!! In the World
Championships- I fished with line that is 1/8th the thickness of U.S. 2 lb. line!

4. Get some small, SMALL hooks

Size #12 should be one of the biggest hooks you ever use! If the majority of you
checked your tackle box, I am sure that some 90% of you dont own a hook this
small! A big hook will kill your fishing! Kill it. Take a look at the nail on your pinky
finger. That is about as long as your hook should be or smaller. (Ask your bait store
owner or check out mickthill.com for these hooks) MOST MAJOR CHAINS DO NOT
CARRY THESE HOOKS. Some arent interested in you catching fish, just buying stuff.
They are quite happy selling a bunch of giant bass hooks, because that is what you
have been buying!!! As we ask for proper equipment, the stores will change and
offer us great selection. You may find these hooks in fly fishing sections of big
stores but you can ask your local dealer to special order them. Size #14 or #16
hooks are perfect. If you are wondering, I have landed a 9 lb. walleye on a size #14
hook with small leech.

5. Get some small bait

Again, the thumbnail on your pinky finger is probably the biggest bait you should
use. There are times the fish only want 1 maggot (spikes) on a tiny #16 hook. Even
the big gills will not take 2 or 3 spikes as readily as they would 1 tiny piece of bait,
this is especially true in early Spring, late Fall and after cold rains. Same would go
for worms. Sometimes using a tiny cut piece will give you success. Only the fish will
tell you. Lastly- big fish eat small bait! I have caught 15 lb. fish on a piece of crawler
the size of my small fingernail.

6. Get a cane pole or telescopic pole

I have landed a 3.5 lb. fish so far on the cane pole with 2 lb. line. We call them
whips and some call them crappie poles. I plan on landing bigger fish than that,
but the greatest number of fish are best caught in our local ponds using a whip and
tiny delicate floats with small baits. The whip will deliver the bait out to the exact
spot you need to lower your bait. This could be a drop-off, rock edge, gravel edge
or weed edge. You can hit the exact spot every time! No missed casts. No birds
nests. Once you find the fish, you can put the bait back in with the whip in the spot
where the fish are. Whips vary in length from 6 ft. to 25 feet (longer if you find pro
versions).

7. Balance Your Setup

Good shot is essential to this setup. The bite indicator (float you use) should be the
smallest you can find. Take your line, rig this float up and then using a bucket of
water to add split shot below the rig until your float is nearly sunk. It should be 95%
below the water if you have the right amount of shot on it. 75% of that shot goes
right under the float. Take a few small shot and this will go close to the hook. The
best shot is Anchor brand split shot! This is premium splitshot that will stay on the
line better and not slide around on you. It also tangles much less than the brand
with the wings on it- round shot is best.
Correctly balance your tiny float on thin line with a small hook and you will have
created a very efficient fish-catching machine! When your bait is on the hook, float
in the water- the bait should sink the float a little. When the rig is properly balanced
with bait on it- the slightest movement will show above water for you to see. If you
have too much float tip sticking up- you will not see the bites!

8. Catch (and release) bags full of fish

You will need a keep net for the water if you want to have some fun. Seeing how
many you can catch is all the fun. There is nothing like pulling a bag with 100 fish
out to show people what fishing is all about. If you want to fish in a local club
competition, the net is also required to keep the fish you catch for weight of your
total catch. Keeping some medium sized fish and returning the largest fish is the
way to improve your lake. If you take all the big fish, they wont be in there next
time you go fishing. If you take the medium sized fish, the bigger fish will get even
bigger! It is essential that you release large fish to keep the bloodlines breeding and
ensure future fishing on your lake!

9. Teach a kid to fish and take them fishing

With a cane pole and the basics, kids can have a blast! If we dont take our kids
fishing, and above all, show them a good time, our sport will fade. Improving our
sport brings better fishing programs, cleaner local waters and education on
preserving our environment for kids. We need kids to care about their local world
and taking them fishing for bluegills is the absolute best way to show them a good
time. Incidentally, there is nothing wrong with catfish, golden roach shiners,
bullheads, carp or bass as any fish gives the kids just as much fun. Any fish they
catch will be a blast on a whip.

Who knows, you might even get hooked on pole fishing. I did.

As an angler, is our time best spent casting all day, or catching fish? Certain
situations will require spinning gear, a very long rod and casting, but for the
greatest number of situations in our local ponds and lakes the reel-less pole will
outperform casting gear sometimes by more than 200% and up. I mean, take a look
across the pond at spin casters sitting fishless and you destroying them with a pole-
that is the goal! Or should I say whipping them!

Angler Magazine Writer- John Wilkins
http://www.MidwestAngler.com
john@midwestangler.com

John Wilkins has fished on the US Fishing Team competing at the highest levels of fishing in Europe, Canada, China & the United States. He has fished in 2 World Championships and has educated anglers on the basics of fishing urban waters. His teacher is angling legend and Hall of Famer Mick Thill. John’s top catch is 512 fish in a 4-hour competition and top finish is second in the US Open Championships in 2000.

Visit http://www.midwestangler.com for more tips & info. as well as a complete listing of US Fishing Clubs- the best place to learn is in a club.

Author: John Wilkins
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Electric Pressure Cooker

Fishing Unfamiliar & Fly-in Lakes

There is a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment – the pride of craft – that comes with a successful day’s fishing on a new, unfamiliar or fly-in lake, whether it is a limit of bass, a few walleyes for shore lunch, or a trophy pike. Not because putting fish in the boat is the measure of a successful outing, but because that success underlines the fact that the angler has effectively adapted to the existing fishing situations and conditions, making necessary changes in bait / lure selection, presentations and locations. That, in itself, is no small feat, even at fly-in lakes which supposedly teem with naive fish. Let me assure you that we always breathe a sigh of relief (even on fly-ins) after having caught a few fish for that first shore lunch. Once that initial success has been realized, the rest of a fishing trip takes care of itself.

Plan to succeed

• Pre-trip Research & Planning
• Upon Arrival
• A Working Map
• Productive Tactics

On new lakes, you need a systematic approach that will greatly improve the chances of near-immediate success and good catches, even when fishing an unfamiliar lake – given the fact that time is almost certainly a limiting factor. To maximize your time and enjoyment of a day’s fishing or a remote trip, you need a system. Here’s the Ontario Fisherman’s oft-tested and proven approach.

Pre-trip Research & Planning

In spite of the fact that most fly-in and many road-accessible lakes offer great fishing opportunities, anglers should develop and execute a plan for fishing any unfamiliar lake. Without such a strategy, too much time on a short trip can be spent searching for fish or prime locations. Notice that I did not say “wasted”. No systematic survey of a lake should be considered a waste of time – even when fish are not caught.

One key to finding fish consistently is to quickly eliminate “empty” water, and one way to do that is through trial and error. Better, though, to spend as much time as possible actually fishing a promising or proven location. This can be best accomplished with a two-pronged, strategic approach – one prior to the trip; the other on the water.

Before putting the boat in the water, “explore” the destination lake on paper through the examination of available maps and charts. Many times, gaining a thorough knowledge of the lake and the identification of potential hotspots can be accomplished without even getting in the boat.

Check available map & chart sources, including:

• MNR-produced “fishing maps”
• lodge / camp fishing & navigation maps
• MNR stocking lists & maps
• resource management plans
• topographic maps
• hydrographic / lake-bottom contour maps
• resources maps & plans (e.g. logging)
• maps prepared by previous groups
• canoe / hiking route maps
• maps prepared by local clubs
• sanctuary maps & notices
• aerial photographs & satellite images

Speak to others with experience on the lake, including:

• local anglers
• MNR district fisheries personnel
• guides / charter operators
• suggested references (by phone)

Immediately after booking a trip work through the above lists – a task easily managed if your group shares in the research. Besides, it is actually fun trying to figure out the lake, sight unseen and even better when you discover that some of your assessments were correct. And, having done some of the “leg work” prior to the trip, you will have considerably more time for a thorough “on-the-water” survey once you reach your destination.

Upon Arrival

Arriving at your departure point or fly-in airbase, the work begins again. Now is the time to ask others about the destination to which you are headed, including:

• outfitter / air service personnel
• bait & tackle shop proprietors
• cottagers, campers, canoeists
• fishing / conservation club members
• lodge operator / guides
• camp clientele (especially repeaters)

A Fly Over

If your group is flying into a remote outpost or lodge, ask the pilot to do a “fly over” of the lake(s) you will be fishing. With a rough, photocopied outline map in hand, look for and mark any:

• congregations of boats
• adjoining back lakes
• inflowing / outflowing streams
• shoals, sunken islands, points
• large weedbeds / weedlines
• log jams / shoreline cover
• rapids, dams
• lodge / cabin location

Previous Party Info

Upon arriving and unpacking, with map in hand, talk to departing anglers about the lake, the fishing, and the camp, including:

• fishing hotspots
• proven baits & tactics
• reasonable expectations (numbers, size)
• boating hazards
• boats & motors
• camp gear & appliances
• portages / trails to back lakes
• shore lunch site(s)
• bait availability / minnow traps
• sanctuary areas

A Working Map

By now, that rough outline map could be pretty marked up, hopefully with useful bits of information and locations that will make those first outings on the lake safer and more productive. Take a few moments to re-draw the map more precisely , and give each “boat” in your party their own map to record useful findings. As the map develops, it won’t be a pretty sight, but its value will be inestimable later and on subsequent trips. As you fish and explore the lake or river over the course of your stay, mark on the map:

• fishing hotspots
• landmarks / hazards
• current flows & direction
• good shoreline stretches
• prime cover areas
• mid-lake weedbeds
• structural elements

Never be without a portable depthfinder when fishing an unfamiliar lake or river. Depending on its capabilities, the graph (apart from displaying the bottom contours and water depths) can provide other important data to help you in your survey, including:

• breakline
• deep-water basins
• fish / baitfish
• bottom “content”
• structural specifics
• water temperature
  
• trolling speed

Productive Tactics

Hey, we are fishermen, not cartographers – so let’s go fishing ! At the risk of oversimplifying the strategies used to explore and fish an unfamiliar lake, break down your approach as follows:

• prepare the “working map”
• parcel the lake into manageable sections
• cover water quickly
• use a variety of lures / techniques
• eliminate unproductive water
• pinpoint fishing “hotspots”
• update the map continuously

>

Parcel Up the Lake / River

It’s easy to be overwhelmed on a new lake, especially larger ones. Instead, divide the lake into more manageable sections, and treat each as if it were a separate lake. As each boat explores, fishes, and maps a section, information is shared and. Later, checked out by the others to verify the findings. Even very large lakes can be quickly cut down to size using this approach. However, if there is only one boat and five lake sections, start with the most promising or highly recommended section in order to get on fish quickly and to avoid wasting valuable time checking out “empty water” for half the trip.
On rivers, this system is especially easy and effective. Devoting a half-day to each stretch provides diversity, yet still allows for more time to be devoted to the “best” spots later.

Cover Water Quickly

In a relatively short time you will want to explore, fish and map a designated portion of the lake with hopes of locating the most productive spots in that section. To do this, move quickly – trolling fast-breaking shorelines, casting exposed shoals, working along weedlines with spinnerbaits, spinners or spoons. If fish are caught, it may be an area deserving of a slower, more precise attack later. First, however, finish the surveying task you set out to accomplish. Mark it on the map and come back later.

Similarly, if a promising or recommended area comes up empty, switch tactics or return to it late in the day (as you re-visit the hotspots identified over the course of the day). Fishing live baits, drifting approaches, backtrolling, float and still fishing are too slow for this part of the hunt but will serve you well later as you probe key spots more slowly and thoroughly.

Eliminate Unproductive Water

It’s said that “you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear”, so don’t waste precious fishing time on “empty water”. On the working map, cross out shallow back bays choked with weeds, areas with “ooze” bottoms or less than six feet of water. Abandon shorelines which slope gradually to deeper, regular bottoms. Forget most of the lake’s deepest basins (more than 25 feet). Forget casting to reeds growing atop sand bars under just two or three feet of water. This approach will effectively eliminate more than two-thirds of most lakes and will not only save you time and frustration, but will also assure that most of your precious fishing time is spent in more productive areas.

Of course, there are exceptions to every example stated above – bass in the slop, early season pike in the shallows, lake trout in the depths, but most are seasonal movement patterns, which, in turn, help to eliminate other areas which might be better during a different part of the fishing season.

Pinpoint & Mark Prime Spots / Cover / Structures

With much of the lake already eliminated during the initial scouting process, keying on the lake’s prime spots and structural features should be much easier now. Fish promising or recommended spots slowly and thoroughly. When a good spot and good catches come together, accurately mark the spot in your GPS unit, with a floating marker buoy or carefully triangulate the exact location using nearby and obvious landmarks. Immediately mark them on the working copy of the map (in colour).

Update the Map

Either for your own use on subsequent trips, as a favour to groups that follow, or as a courtesy to the outfitter, keep the map up to date as it has considerable value to all parties involved. Mine come in handy when I summarize fishing trips for magazine articles and for the countless inquiries I receive each year via e-mail. Show me yours, and I’ll show you mine !

Arranging and planning the annual fishing trip for the “boys” or your family is an important and demanding task at the best of times. When daring to venture to unfamiliar destinations, the uncertainties regarding the details and the fishing opportunities are accentuated still further. This season, when the time comes to head out to that unfamiliar lake or river, have your homework done, a “working map: at the ready, and a strategic approach for surveying and fishing the lake in mind. Anxieties will be lessened, the chances of success heightened. And, as you have, no doubt, heard and read many times, confidence plays a very large part in any successful fishing outing. But now you are ready! Enjoy your trip.

Online since 1998 by long-time OFM field editor, Bill Rivers, the Ontario Fisherman is now taking on a new look, but remains committed to showcasing “the best of Ontario sportfishing”.

Ontario Fisherman Resources

Author: Bill Rivers
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Digital TV, HDTV

Fishing Unfamiliar & Fly-in Lakes

There is a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment – the pride of craft – that comes with a successful day’s fishing on a new, unfamiliar or fly-in lake, whether it is a limit of bass, a few walleyes for shore lunch, or a trophy pike. Not because putting fish in the boat is the measure of a successful outing, but because that success underlines the fact that the angler has effectively adapted to the existing fishing situations and conditions, making necessary changes in bait / lure selection, presentations and locations. That, in itself, is no small feat, even at fly-in lakes which supposedly teem with naive fish. Let me assure you that we always breathe a sigh of relief (even on fly-ins) after having caught a few fish for that first shore lunch. Once that initial success has been realized, the rest of a fishing trip takes care of itself.

Plan to succeed

• Pre-trip Research & Planning
• Upon Arrival
• A Working Map
• Productive Tactics

On new lakes, you need a systematic approach that will greatly improve the chances of near-immediate success and good catches, even when fishing an unfamiliar lake – given the fact that time is almost certainly a limiting factor. To maximize your time and enjoyment of a day’s fishing or a remote trip, you need a system. Here’s the Ontario Fisherman’s oft-tested and proven approach.

Pre-trip Research & Planning

In spite of the fact that most fly-in and many road-accessible lakes offer great fishing opportunities, anglers should develop and execute a plan for fishing any unfamiliar lake. Without such a strategy, too much time on a short trip can be spent searching for fish or prime locations. Notice that I did not say “wasted”. No systematic survey of a lake should be considered a waste of time – even when fish are not caught.

One key to finding fish consistently is to quickly eliminate “empty” water, and one way to do that is through trial and error. Better, though, to spend as much time as possible actually fishing a promising or proven location. This can be best accomplished with a two-pronged, strategic approach – one prior to the trip; the other on the water.

Before putting the boat in the water, “explore” the destination lake on paper through the examination of available maps and charts. Many times, gaining a thorough knowledge of the lake and the identification of potential hotspots can be accomplished without even getting in the boat.

Check available map & chart sources, including:

• MNR-produced “fishing maps”
• lodge / camp fishing & navigation maps
• MNR stocking lists & maps
• resource management plans
• topographic maps
• hydrographic / lake-bottom contour maps
• resources maps & plans (e.g. logging)
• maps prepared by previous groups
• canoe / hiking route maps
• maps prepared by local clubs
• sanctuary maps & notices
• aerial photographs & satellite images

Speak to others with experience on the lake, including:

• local anglers
• MNR district fisheries personnel
• guides / charter operators
• suggested references (by phone)

Immediately after booking a trip work through the above lists – a task easily managed if your group shares in the research. Besides, it is actually fun trying to figure out the lake, sight unseen and even better when you discover that some of your assessments were correct. And, having done some of the “leg work” prior to the trip, you will have considerably more time for a thorough “on-the-water” survey once you reach your destination.

Upon Arrival

Arriving at your departure point or fly-in airbase, the work begins again. Now is the time to ask others about the destination to which you are headed, including:

• outfitter / air service personnel
• bait & tackle shop proprietors
• cottagers, campers, canoeists
• fishing / conservation club members
• lodge operator / guides
• camp clientele (especially repeaters)

A Fly Over

If your group is flying into a remote outpost or lodge, ask the pilot to do a “fly over” of the lake(s) you will be fishing. With a rough, photocopied outline map in hand, look for and mark any:

• congregations of boats
• adjoining back lakes
• inflowing / outflowing streams
• shoals, sunken islands, points
• large weedbeds / weedlines
• log jams / shoreline cover
• rapids, dams
• lodge / cabin location

Previous Party Info

Upon arriving and unpacking, with map in hand, talk to departing anglers about the lake, the fishing, and the camp, including:

• fishing hotspots
• proven baits & tactics
• reasonable expectations (numbers, size)
• boating hazards
• boats & motors
• camp gear & appliances
• portages / trails to back lakes
• shore lunch site(s)
• bait availability / minnow traps
• sanctuary areas

A Working Map

By now, that rough outline map could be pretty marked up, hopefully with useful bits of information and locations that will make those first outings on the lake safer and more productive. Take a few moments to re-draw the map more precisely , and give each “boat” in your party their own map to record useful findings. As the map develops, it won’t be a pretty sight, but its value will be inestimable later and on subsequent trips. As you fish and explore the lake or river over the course of your stay, mark on the map:

• fishing hotspots
• landmarks / hazards
• current flows & direction
• good shoreline stretches
• prime cover areas
• mid-lake weedbeds
• structural elements

Never be without a portable depthfinder when fishing an unfamiliar lake or river. Depending on its capabilities, the graph (apart from displaying the bottom contours and water depths) can provide other important data to help you in your survey, including:

• breakline
• deep-water basins
• fish / baitfish
• bottom “content”
• structural specifics
• water temperature
  
• trolling speed

Productive Tactics

Hey, we are fishermen, not cartographers – so let’s go fishing ! At the risk of oversimplifying the strategies used to explore and fish an unfamiliar lake, break down your approach as follows:

• prepare the “working map”
• parcel the lake into manageable sections
• cover water quickly
• use a variety of lures / techniques
• eliminate unproductive water
• pinpoint fishing “hotspots”
• update the map continuously

>

Parcel Up the Lake / River

It’s easy to be overwhelmed on a new lake, especially larger ones. Instead, divide the lake into more manageable sections, and treat each as if it were a separate lake. As each boat explores, fishes, and maps a section, information is shared and. Later, checked out by the others to verify the findings. Even very large lakes can be quickly cut down to size using this approach. However, if there is only one boat and five lake sections, start with the most promising or highly recommended section in order to get on fish quickly and to avoid wasting valuable time checking out “empty water” for half the trip.
On rivers, this system is especially easy and effective. Devoting a half-day to each stretch provides diversity, yet still allows for more time to be devoted to the “best” spots later.

Cover Water Quickly

In a relatively short time you will want to explore, fish and map a designated portion of the lake with hopes of locating the most productive spots in that section. To do this, move quickly – trolling fast-breaking shorelines, casting exposed shoals, working along weedlines with spinnerbaits, spinners or spoons. If fish are caught, it may be an area deserving of a slower, more precise attack later. First, however, finish the surveying task you set out to accomplish. Mark it on the map and come back later.

Similarly, if a promising or recommended area comes up empty, switch tactics or return to it late in the day (as you re-visit the hotspots identified over the course of the day). Fishing live baits, drifting approaches, backtrolling, float and still fishing are too slow for this part of the hunt but will serve you well later as you probe key spots more slowly and thoroughly.

Eliminate Unproductive Water

It’s said that “you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear”, so don’t waste precious fishing time on “empty water”. On the working map, cross out shallow back bays choked with weeds, areas with “ooze” bottoms or less than six feet of water. Abandon shorelines which slope gradually to deeper, regular bottoms. Forget most of the lake’s deepest basins (more than 25 feet). Forget casting to reeds growing atop sand bars under just two or three feet of water. This approach will effectively eliminate more than two-thirds of most lakes and will not only save you time and frustration, but will also assure that most of your precious fishing time is spent in more productive areas.

Of course, there are exceptions to every example stated above – bass in the slop, early season pike in the shallows, lake trout in the depths, but most are seasonal movement patterns, which, in turn, help to eliminate other areas which might be better during a different part of the fishing season.

Pinpoint & Mark Prime Spots / Cover / Structures

With much of the lake already eliminated during the initial scouting process, keying on the lake’s prime spots and structural features should be much easier now. Fish promising or recommended spots slowly and thoroughly. When a good spot and good catches come together, accurately mark the spot in your GPS unit, with a floating marker buoy or carefully triangulate the exact location using nearby and obvious landmarks. Immediately mark them on the working copy of the map (in colour).

Update the Map

Either for your own use on subsequent trips, as a favour to groups that follow, or as a courtesy to the outfitter, keep the map up to date as it has considerable value to all parties involved. Mine come in handy when I summarize fishing trips for magazine articles and for the countless inquiries I receive each year via e-mail. Show me yours, and I’ll show you mine !

Arranging and planning the annual fishing trip for the “boys” or your family is an important and demanding task at the best of times. When daring to venture to unfamiliar destinations, the uncertainties regarding the details and the fishing opportunities are accentuated still further. This season, when the time comes to head out to that unfamiliar lake or river, have your homework done, a “working map: at the ready, and a strategic approach for surveying and fishing the lake in mind. Anxieties will be lessened, the chances of success heightened. And, as you have, no doubt, heard and read many times, confidence plays a very large part in any successful fishing outing. But now you are ready! Enjoy your trip.

Online since 1998 by long-time OFM field editor, Bill Rivers, the Ontario Fisherman is now taking on a new look, but remains committed to showcasing “the best of Ontario sportfishing”.

Ontario Fisherman Resources

Author: Bill Rivers
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Digital Camera Times

Fishing Unfamiliar & Fly-in Lakes

There is a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment – the pride of craft – that comes with a successful day’s fishing on a new, unfamiliar or fly-in lake, whether it is a limit of bass, a few walleyes for shore lunch, or a trophy pike. Not because putting fish in the boat is the measure of a successful outing, but because that success underlines the fact that the angler has effectively adapted to the existing fishing situations and conditions, making necessary changes in bait / lure selection, presentations and locations. That, in itself, is no small feat, even at fly-in lakes which supposedly teem with naive fish. Let me assure you that we always breathe a sigh of relief (even on fly-ins) after having caught a few fish for that first shore lunch. Once that initial success has been realized, the rest of a fishing trip takes care of itself.

Plan to succeed

• Pre-trip Research & Planning
• Upon Arrival
• A Working Map
• Productive Tactics

On new lakes, you need a systematic approach that will greatly improve the chances of near-immediate success and good catches, even when fishing an unfamiliar lake – given the fact that time is almost certainly a limiting factor. To maximize your time and enjoyment of a day’s fishing or a remote trip, you need a system. Here’s the Ontario Fisherman’s oft-tested and proven approach.

Pre-trip Research & Planning

In spite of the fact that most fly-in and many road-accessible lakes offer great fishing opportunities, anglers should develop and execute a plan for fishing any unfamiliar lake. Without such a strategy, too much time on a short trip can be spent searching for fish or prime locations. Notice that I did not say “wasted”. No systematic survey of a lake should be considered a waste of time – even when fish are not caught.

One key to finding fish consistently is to quickly eliminate “empty” water, and one way to do that is through trial and error. Better, though, to spend as much time as possible actually fishing a promising or proven location. This can be best accomplished with a two-pronged, strategic approach – one prior to the trip; the other on the water.

Before putting the boat in the water, “explore” the destination lake on paper through the examination of available maps and charts. Many times, gaining a thorough knowledge of the lake and the identification of potential hotspots can be accomplished without even getting in the boat.

Check available map & chart sources, including:

• MNR-produced “fishing maps”
• lodge / camp fishing & navigation maps
• MNR stocking lists & maps
• resource management plans
• topographic maps
• hydrographic / lake-bottom contour maps
• resources maps & plans (e.g. logging)
• maps prepared by previous groups
• canoe / hiking route maps
• maps prepared by local clubs
• sanctuary maps & notices
• aerial photographs & satellite images

Speak to others with experience on the lake, including:

• local anglers
• MNR district fisheries personnel
• guides / charter operators
• suggested references (by phone)

Immediately after booking a trip work through the above lists – a task easily managed if your group shares in the research. Besides, it is actually fun trying to figure out the lake, sight unseen and even better when you discover that some of your assessments were correct. And, having done some of the “leg work” prior to the trip, you will have considerably more time for a thorough “on-the-water” survey once you reach your destination.

Upon Arrival

Arriving at your departure point or fly-in airbase, the work begins again. Now is the time to ask others about the destination to which you are headed, including:

• outfitter / air service personnel
• bait & tackle shop proprietors
• cottagers, campers, canoeists
• fishing / conservation club members
• lodge operator / guides
• camp clientele (especially repeaters)

A Fly Over

If your group is flying into a remote outpost or lodge, ask the pilot to do a “fly over” of the lake(s) you will be fishing. With a rough, photocopied outline map in hand, look for and mark any:

• congregations of boats
• adjoining back lakes
• inflowing / outflowing streams
• shoals, sunken islands, points
• large weedbeds / weedlines
• log jams / shoreline cover
• rapids, dams
• lodge / cabin location

Previous Party Info

Upon arriving and unpacking, with map in hand, talk to departing anglers about the lake, the fishing, and the camp, including:

• fishing hotspots
• proven baits & tactics
• reasonable expectations (numbers, size)
• boating hazards
• boats & motors
• camp gear & appliances
• portages / trails to back lakes
• shore lunch site(s)
• bait availability / minnow traps
• sanctuary areas

A Working Map

By now, that rough outline map could be pretty marked up, hopefully with useful bits of information and locations that will make those first outings on the lake safer and more productive. Take a few moments to re-draw the map more precisely , and give each “boat” in your party their own map to record useful findings. As the map develops, it won’t be a pretty sight, but its value will be inestimable later and on subsequent trips. As you fish and explore the lake or river over the course of your stay, mark on the map:

• fishing hotspots
• landmarks / hazards
• current flows & direction
• good shoreline stretches
• prime cover areas
• mid-lake weedbeds
• structural elements

Never be without a portable depthfinder when fishing an unfamiliar lake or river. Depending on its capabilities, the graph (apart from displaying the bottom contours and water depths) can provide other important data to help you in your survey, including:

• breakline
• deep-water basins
• fish / baitfish
• bottom “content”
• structural specifics
• water temperature
  
• trolling speed

Productive Tactics

Hey, we are fishermen, not cartographers – so let’s go fishing ! At the risk of oversimplifying the strategies used to explore and fish an unfamiliar lake, break down your approach as follows:

• prepare the “working map”
• parcel the lake into manageable sections
• cover water quickly
• use a variety of lures / techniques
• eliminate unproductive water
• pinpoint fishing “hotspots”
• update the map continuously

>

Parcel Up the Lake / River

It’s easy to be overwhelmed on a new lake, especially larger ones. Instead, divide the lake into more manageable sections, and treat each as if it were a separate lake. As each boat explores, fishes, and maps a section, information is shared and. Later, checked out by the others to verify the findings. Even very large lakes can be quickly cut down to size using this approach. However, if there is only one boat and five lake sections, start with the most promising or highly recommended section in order to get on fish quickly and to avoid wasting valuable time checking out “empty water” for half the trip.
On rivers, this system is especially easy and effective. Devoting a half-day to each stretch provides diversity, yet still allows for more time to be devoted to the “best” spots later.

Cover Water Quickly

In a relatively short time you will want to explore, fish and map a designated portion of the lake with hopes of locating the most productive spots in that section. To do this, move quickly – trolling fast-breaking shorelines, casting exposed shoals, working along weedlines with spinnerbaits, spinners or spoons. If fish are caught, it may be an area deserving of a slower, more precise attack later. First, however, finish the surveying task you set out to accomplish. Mark it on the map and come back later.

Similarly, if a promising or recommended area comes up empty, switch tactics or return to it late in the day (as you re-visit the hotspots identified over the course of the day). Fishing live baits, drifting approaches, backtrolling, float and still fishing are too slow for this part of the hunt but will serve you well later as you probe key spots more slowly and thoroughly.

Eliminate Unproductive Water

It’s said that “you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear”, so don’t waste precious fishing time on “empty water”. On the working map, cross out shallow back bays choked with weeds, areas with “ooze” bottoms or less than six feet of water. Abandon shorelines which slope gradually to deeper, regular bottoms. Forget most of the lake’s deepest basins (more than 25 feet). Forget casting to reeds growing atop sand bars under just two or three feet of water. This approach will effectively eliminate more than two-thirds of most lakes and will not only save you time and frustration, but will also assure that most of your precious fishing time is spent in more productive areas.

Of course, there are exceptions to every example stated above – bass in the slop, early season pike in the shallows, lake trout in the depths, but most are seasonal movement patterns, which, in turn, help to eliminate other areas which might be better during a different part of the fishing season.

Pinpoint & Mark Prime Spots / Cover / Structures

With much of the lake already eliminated during the initial scouting process, keying on the lake’s prime spots and structural features should be much easier now. Fish promising or recommended spots slowly and thoroughly. When a good spot and good catches come together, accurately mark the spot in your GPS unit, with a floating marker buoy or carefully triangulate the exact location using nearby and obvious landmarks. Immediately mark them on the working copy of the map (in colour).

Update the Map

Either for your own use on subsequent trips, as a favour to groups that follow, or as a courtesy to the outfitter, keep the map up to date as it has considerable value to all parties involved. Mine come in handy when I summarize fishing trips for magazine articles and for the countless inquiries I receive each year via e-mail. Show me yours, and I’ll show you mine !

Arranging and planning the annual fishing trip for the “boys” or your family is an important and demanding task at the best of times. When daring to venture to unfamiliar destinations, the uncertainties regarding the details and the fishing opportunities are accentuated still further. This season, when the time comes to head out to that unfamiliar lake or river, have your homework done, a “working map: at the ready, and a strategic approach for surveying and fishing the lake in mind. Anxieties will be lessened, the chances of success heightened. And, as you have, no doubt, heard and read many times, confidence plays a very large part in any successful fishing outing. But now you are ready! Enjoy your trip.

Online since 1998 by long-time OFM field editor, Bill Rivers, the Ontario Fisherman is now taking on a new look, but remains committed to showcasing “the best of Ontario sportfishing”.

Ontario Fisherman Resources

Author: Bill Rivers
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: How Electric Pressure Cookers Work

Fishing Unfamiliar & Fly-in Lakes

There is a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment – the pride of craft – that comes with a successful day’s fishing on a new, unfamiliar or fly-in lake, whether it is a limit of bass, a few walleyes for shore lunch, or a trophy pike. Not because putting fish in the boat is the measure of a successful outing, but because that success underlines the fact that the angler has effectively adapted to the existing fishing situations and conditions, making necessary changes in bait / lure selection, presentations and locations. That, in itself, is no small feat, even at fly-in lakes which supposedly teem with naive fish. Let me assure you that we always breathe a sigh of relief (even on fly-ins) after having caught a few fish for that first shore lunch. Once that initial success has been realized, the rest of a fishing trip takes care of itself.

Plan to succeed

• Pre-trip Research & Planning
• Upon Arrival
• A Working Map
• Productive Tactics

On new lakes, you need a systematic approach that will greatly improve the chances of near-immediate success and good catches, even when fishing an unfamiliar lake – given the fact that time is almost certainly a limiting factor. To maximize your time and enjoyment of a day’s fishing or a remote trip, you need a system. Here’s the Ontario Fisherman’s oft-tested and proven approach.

Pre-trip Research & Planning

In spite of the fact that most fly-in and many road-accessible lakes offer great fishing opportunities, anglers should develop and execute a plan for fishing any unfamiliar lake. Without such a strategy, too much time on a short trip can be spent searching for fish or prime locations. Notice that I did not say “wasted”. No systematic survey of a lake should be considered a waste of time – even when fish are not caught.

One key to finding fish consistently is to quickly eliminate “empty” water, and one way to do that is through trial and error. Better, though, to spend as much time as possible actually fishing a promising or proven location. This can be best accomplished with a two-pronged, strategic approach – one prior to the trip; the other on the water.

Before putting the boat in the water, “explore” the destination lake on paper through the examination of available maps and charts. Many times, gaining a thorough knowledge of the lake and the identification of potential hotspots can be accomplished without even getting in the boat.

Check available map & chart sources, including:

• MNR-produced “fishing maps”
• lodge / camp fishing & navigation maps
• MNR stocking lists & maps
• resource management plans
• topographic maps
• hydrographic / lake-bottom contour maps
• resources maps & plans (e.g. logging)
• maps prepared by previous groups
• canoe / hiking route maps
• maps prepared by local clubs
• sanctuary maps & notices
• aerial photographs & satellite images

Speak to others with experience on the lake, including:

• local anglers
• MNR district fisheries personnel
• guides / charter operators
• suggested references (by phone)

Immediately after booking a trip work through the above lists – a task easily managed if your group shares in the research. Besides, it is actually fun trying to figure out the lake, sight unseen and even better when you discover that some of your assessments were correct. And, having done some of the “leg work” prior to the trip, you will have considerably more time for a thorough “on-the-water” survey once you reach your destination.

Upon Arrival

Arriving at your departure point or fly-in airbase, the work begins again. Now is the time to ask others about the destination to which you are headed, including:

• outfitter / air service personnel
• bait & tackle shop proprietors
• cottagers, campers, canoeists
• fishing / conservation club members
• lodge operator / guides
• camp clientele (especially repeaters)

A Fly Over

If your group is flying into a remote outpost or lodge, ask the pilot to do a “fly over” of the lake(s) you will be fishing. With a rough, photocopied outline map in hand, look for and mark any:

• congregations of boats
• adjoining back lakes
• inflowing / outflowing streams
• shoals, sunken islands, points
• large weedbeds / weedlines
• log jams / shoreline cover
• rapids, dams
• lodge / cabin location

Previous Party Info

Upon arriving and unpacking, with map in hand, talk to departing anglers about the lake, the fishing, and the camp, including:

• fishing hotspots
• proven baits & tactics
• reasonable expectations (numbers, size)
• boating hazards
• boats & motors
• camp gear & appliances
• portages / trails to back lakes
• shore lunch site(s)
• bait availability / minnow traps
• sanctuary areas

A Working Map

By now, that rough outline map could be pretty marked up, hopefully with useful bits of information and locations that will make those first outings on the lake safer and more productive. Take a few moments to re-draw the map more precisely , and give each “boat” in your party their own map to record useful findings. As the map develops, it won’t be a pretty sight, but its value will be inestimable later and on subsequent trips. As you fish and explore the lake or river over the course of your stay, mark on the map:

• fishing hotspots
• landmarks / hazards
• current flows & direction
• good shoreline stretches
• prime cover areas
• mid-lake weedbeds
• structural elements

Never be without a portable depthfinder when fishing an unfamiliar lake or river. Depending on its capabilities, the graph (apart from displaying the bottom contours and water depths) can provide other important data to help you in your survey, including:

• breakline
• deep-water basins
• fish / baitfish
• bottom “content”
• structural specifics
• water temperature
  
• trolling speed

Productive Tactics

Hey, we are fishermen, not cartographers – so let’s go fishing ! At the risk of oversimplifying the strategies used to explore and fish an unfamiliar lake, break down your approach as follows:

• prepare the “working map”
• parcel the lake into manageable sections
• cover water quickly
• use a variety of lures / techniques
• eliminate unproductive water
• pinpoint fishing “hotspots”
• update the map continuously

>

Parcel Up the Lake / River

It’s easy to be overwhelmed on a new lake, especially larger ones. Instead, divide the lake into more manageable sections, and treat each as if it were a separate lake. As each boat explores, fishes, and maps a section, information is shared and. Later, checked out by the others to verify the findings. Even very large lakes can be quickly cut down to size using this approach. However, if there is only one boat and five lake sections, start with the most promising or highly recommended section in order to get on fish quickly and to avoid wasting valuable time checking out “empty water” for half the trip.
On rivers, this system is especially easy and effective. Devoting a half-day to each stretch provides diversity, yet still allows for more time to be devoted to the “best” spots later.

Cover Water Quickly

In a relatively short time you will want to explore, fish and map a designated portion of the lake with hopes of locating the most productive spots in that section. To do this, move quickly – trolling fast-breaking shorelines, casting exposed shoals, working along weedlines with spinnerbaits, spinners or spoons. If fish are caught, it may be an area deserving of a slower, more precise attack later. First, however, finish the surveying task you set out to accomplish. Mark it on the map and come back later.

Similarly, if a promising or recommended area comes up empty, switch tactics or return to it late in the day (as you re-visit the hotspots identified over the course of the day). Fishing live baits, drifting approaches, backtrolling, float and still fishing are too slow for this part of the hunt but will serve you well later as you probe key spots more slowly and thoroughly.

Eliminate Unproductive Water

It’s said that “you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear”, so don’t waste precious fishing time on “empty water”. On the working map, cross out shallow back bays choked with weeds, areas with “ooze” bottoms or less than six feet of water. Abandon shorelines which slope gradually to deeper, regular bottoms. Forget most of the lake’s deepest basins (more than 25 feet). Forget casting to reeds growing atop sand bars under just two or three feet of water. This approach will effectively eliminate more than two-thirds of most lakes and will not only save you time and frustration, but will also assure that most of your precious fishing time is spent in more productive areas.

Of course, there are exceptions to every example stated above – bass in the slop, early season pike in the shallows, lake trout in the depths, but most are seasonal movement patterns, which, in turn, help to eliminate other areas which might be better during a different part of the fishing season.

Pinpoint & Mark Prime Spots / Cover / Structures

With much of the lake already eliminated during the initial scouting process, keying on the lake’s prime spots and structural features should be much easier now. Fish promising or recommended spots slowly and thoroughly. When a good spot and good catches come together, accurately mark the spot in your GPS unit, with a floating marker buoy or carefully triangulate the exact location using nearby and obvious landmarks. Immediately mark them on the working copy of the map (in colour).

Update the Map

Either for your own use on subsequent trips, as a favour to groups that follow, or as a courtesy to the outfitter, keep the map up to date as it has considerable value to all parties involved. Mine come in handy when I summarize fishing trips for magazine articles and for the countless inquiries I receive each year via e-mail. Show me yours, and I’ll show you mine !

Arranging and planning the annual fishing trip for the “boys” or your family is an important and demanding task at the best of times. When daring to venture to unfamiliar destinations, the uncertainties regarding the details and the fishing opportunities are accentuated still further. This season, when the time comes to head out to that unfamiliar lake or river, have your homework done, a “working map: at the ready, and a strategic approach for surveying and fishing the lake in mind. Anxieties will be lessened, the chances of success heightened. And, as you have, no doubt, heard and read many times, confidence plays a very large part in any successful fishing outing. But now you are ready! Enjoy your trip.

Online since 1998 by long-time OFM field editor, Bill Rivers, the Ontario Fisherman is now taking on a new look, but remains committed to showcasing “the best of Ontario sportfishing”.

Ontario Fisherman Resources

Author: Bill Rivers
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Guest blogger

Fishing Unfamiliar & Fly-in Lakes

There is a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment – the pride of craft – that comes with a successful day’s fishing on a new, unfamiliar or fly-in lake, whether it is a limit of bass, a few walleyes for shore lunch, or a trophy pike. Not because putting fish in the boat is the measure of a successful outing, but because that success underlines the fact that the angler has effectively adapted to the existing fishing situations and conditions, making necessary changes in bait / lure selection, presentations and locations. That, in itself, is no small feat, even at fly-in lakes which supposedly teem with naive fish. Let me assure you that we always breathe a sigh of relief (even on fly-ins) after having caught a few fish for that first shore lunch. Once that initial success has been realized, the rest of a fishing trip takes care of itself.

Plan to succeed

• Pre-trip Research & Planning
• Upon Arrival
• A Working Map
• Productive Tactics

On new lakes, you need a systematic approach that will greatly improve the chances of near-immediate success and good catches, even when fishing an unfamiliar lake – given the fact that time is almost certainly a limiting factor. To maximize your time and enjoyment of a day’s fishing or a remote trip, you need a system. Here’s the Ontario Fisherman’s oft-tested and proven approach.

Pre-trip Research & Planning

In spite of the fact that most fly-in and many road-accessible lakes offer great fishing opportunities, anglers should develop and execute a plan for fishing any unfamiliar lake. Without such a strategy, too much time on a short trip can be spent searching for fish or prime locations. Notice that I did not say “wasted”. No systematic survey of a lake should be considered a waste of time – even when fish are not caught.

One key to finding fish consistently is to quickly eliminate “empty” water, and one way to do that is through trial and error. Better, though, to spend as much time as possible actually fishing a promising or proven location. This can be best accomplished with a two-pronged, strategic approach – one prior to the trip; the other on the water.

Before putting the boat in the water, “explore” the destination lake on paper through the examination of available maps and charts. Many times, gaining a thorough knowledge of the lake and the identification of potential hotspots can be accomplished without even getting in the boat.

Check available map & chart sources, including:

• MNR-produced “fishing maps”
• lodge / camp fishing & navigation maps
• MNR stocking lists & maps
• resource management plans
• topographic maps
• hydrographic / lake-bottom contour maps
• resources maps & plans (e.g. logging)
• maps prepared by previous groups
• canoe / hiking route maps
• maps prepared by local clubs
• sanctuary maps & notices
• aerial photographs & satellite images

Speak to others with experience on the lake, including:

• local anglers
• MNR district fisheries personnel
• guides / charter operators
• suggested references (by phone)

Immediately after booking a trip work through the above lists – a task easily managed if your group shares in the research. Besides, it is actually fun trying to figure out the lake, sight unseen and even better when you discover that some of your assessments were correct. And, having done some of the “leg work” prior to the trip, you will have considerably more time for a thorough “on-the-water” survey once you reach your destination.

Upon Arrival

Arriving at your departure point or fly-in airbase, the work begins again. Now is the time to ask others about the destination to which you are headed, including:

• outfitter / air service personnel
• bait & tackle shop proprietors
• cottagers, campers, canoeists
• fishing / conservation club members
• lodge operator / guides
• camp clientele (especially repeaters)

A Fly Over

If your group is flying into a remote outpost or lodge, ask the pilot to do a “fly over” of the lake(s) you will be fishing. With a rough, photocopied outline map in hand, look for and mark any:

• congregations of boats
• adjoining back lakes
• inflowing / outflowing streams
• shoals, sunken islands, points
• large weedbeds / weedlines
• log jams / shoreline cover
• rapids, dams
• lodge / cabin location

Previous Party Info

Upon arriving and unpacking, with map in hand, talk to departing anglers about the lake, the fishing, and the camp, including:

• fishing hotspots
• proven baits & tactics
• reasonable expectations (numbers, size)
• boating hazards
• boats & motors
• camp gear & appliances
• portages / trails to back lakes
• shore lunch site(s)
• bait availability / minnow traps
• sanctuary areas

A Working Map

By now, that rough outline map could be pretty marked up, hopefully with useful bits of information and locations that will make those first outings on the lake safer and more productive. Take a few moments to re-draw the map more precisely , and give each “boat” in your party their own map to record useful findings. As the map develops, it won’t be a pretty sight, but its value will be inestimable later and on subsequent trips. As you fish and explore the lake or river over the course of your stay, mark on the map:

• fishing hotspots
• landmarks / hazards
• current flows & direction
• good shoreline stretches
• prime cover areas
• mid-lake weedbeds
• structural elements

Never be without a portable depthfinder when fishing an unfamiliar lake or river. Depending on its capabilities, the graph (apart from displaying the bottom contours and water depths) can provide other important data to help you in your survey, including:

• breakline
• deep-water basins
• fish / baitfish
• bottom “content”
• structural specifics
• water temperature
  
• trolling speed

Productive Tactics

Hey, we are fishermen, not cartographers – so let’s go fishing ! At the risk of oversimplifying the strategies used to explore and fish an unfamiliar lake, break down your approach as follows:

• prepare the “working map”
• parcel the lake into manageable sections
• cover water quickly
• use a variety of lures / techniques
• eliminate unproductive water
• pinpoint fishing “hotspots”
• update the map continuously

>

Parcel Up the Lake / River

It’s easy to be overwhelmed on a new lake, especially larger ones. Instead, divide the lake into more manageable sections, and treat each as if it were a separate lake. As each boat explores, fishes, and maps a section, information is shared and. Later, checked out by the others to verify the findings. Even very large lakes can be quickly cut down to size using this approach. However, if there is only one boat and five lake sections, start with the most promising or highly recommended section in order to get on fish quickly and to avoid wasting valuable time checking out “empty water” for half the trip.
On rivers, this system is especially easy and effective. Devoting a half-day to each stretch provides diversity, yet still allows for more time to be devoted to the “best” spots later.

Cover Water Quickly

In a relatively short time you will want to explore, fish and map a designated portion of the lake with hopes of locating the most productive spots in that section. To do this, move quickly – trolling fast-breaking shorelines, casting exposed shoals, working along weedlines with spinnerbaits, spinners or spoons. If fish are caught, it may be an area deserving of a slower, more precise attack later. First, however, finish the surveying task you set out to accomplish. Mark it on the map and come back later.

Similarly, if a promising or recommended area comes up empty, switch tactics or return to it late in the day (as you re-visit the hotspots identified over the course of the day). Fishing live baits, drifting approaches, backtrolling, float and still fishing are too slow for this part of the hunt but will serve you well later as you probe key spots more slowly and thoroughly.

Eliminate Unproductive Water

It’s said that “you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear”, so don’t waste precious fishing time on “empty water”. On the working map, cross out shallow back bays choked with weeds, areas with “ooze” bottoms or less than six feet of water. Abandon shorelines which slope gradually to deeper, regular bottoms. Forget most of the lake’s deepest basins (more than 25 feet). Forget casting to reeds growing atop sand bars under just two or three feet of water. This approach will effectively eliminate more than two-thirds of most lakes and will not only save you time and frustration, but will also assure that most of your precious fishing time is spent in more productive areas.

Of course, there are exceptions to every example stated above – bass in the slop, early season pike in the shallows, lake trout in the depths, but most are seasonal movement patterns, which, in turn, help to eliminate other areas which might be better during a different part of the fishing season.

Pinpoint & Mark Prime Spots / Cover / Structures

With much of the lake already eliminated during the initial scouting process, keying on the lake’s prime spots and structural features should be much easier now. Fish promising or recommended spots slowly and thoroughly. When a good spot and good catches come together, accurately mark the spot in your GPS unit, with a floating marker buoy or carefully triangulate the exact location using nearby and obvious landmarks. Immediately mark them on the working copy of the map (in colour).

Update the Map

Either for your own use on subsequent trips, as a favour to groups that follow, or as a courtesy to the outfitter, keep the map up to date as it has considerable value to all parties involved. Mine come in handy when I summarize fishing trips for magazine articles and for the countless inquiries I receive each year via e-mail. Show me yours, and I’ll show you mine !

Arranging and planning the annual fishing trip for the “boys” or your family is an important and demanding task at the best of times. When daring to venture to unfamiliar destinations, the uncertainties regarding the details and the fishing opportunities are accentuated still further. This season, when the time comes to head out to that unfamiliar lake or river, have your homework done, a “working map: at the ready, and a strategic approach for surveying and fishing the lake in mind. Anxieties will be lessened, the chances of success heightened. And, as you have, no doubt, heard and read many times, confidence plays a very large part in any successful fishing outing. But now you are ready! Enjoy your trip.

Online since 1998 by long-time OFM field editor, Bill Rivers, the Ontario Fisherman is now taking on a new look, but remains committed to showcasing “the best of Ontario sportfishing”.

Ontario Fisherman Resources

Author: Bill Rivers
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Mobile device news

Fishing Unfamiliar & Fly-in Lakes

There is a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment – the pride of craft – that comes with a successful day’s fishing on a new, unfamiliar or fly-in lake, whether it is a limit of bass, a few walleyes for shore lunch, or a trophy pike. Not because putting fish in the boat is the measure of a successful outing, but because that success underlines the fact that the angler has effectively adapted to the existing fishing situations and conditions, making necessary changes in bait / lure selection, presentations and locations. That, in itself, is no small feat, even at fly-in lakes which supposedly teem with naive fish. Let me assure you that we always breathe a sigh of relief (even on fly-ins) after having caught a few fish for that first shore lunch. Once that initial success has been realized, the rest of a fishing trip takes care of itself.

Plan to succeed

• Pre-trip Research & Planning
• Upon Arrival
• A Working Map
• Productive Tactics

On new lakes, you need a systematic approach that will greatly improve the chances of near-immediate success and good catches, even when fishing an unfamiliar lake – given the fact that time is almost certainly a limiting factor. To maximize your time and enjoyment of a day’s fishing or a remote trip, you need a system. Here’s the Ontario Fisherman’s oft-tested and proven approach.

Pre-trip Research & Planning

In spite of the fact that most fly-in and many road-accessible lakes offer great fishing opportunities, anglers should develop and execute a plan for fishing any unfamiliar lake. Without such a strategy, too much time on a short trip can be spent searching for fish or prime locations. Notice that I did not say “wasted”. No systematic survey of a lake should be considered a waste of time – even when fish are not caught.

One key to finding fish consistently is to quickly eliminate “empty” water, and one way to do that is through trial and error. Better, though, to spend as much time as possible actually fishing a promising or proven location. This can be best accomplished with a two-pronged, strategic approach – one prior to the trip; the other on the water.

Before putting the boat in the water, “explore” the destination lake on paper through the examination of available maps and charts. Many times, gaining a thorough knowledge of the lake and the identification of potential hotspots can be accomplished without even getting in the boat.

Check available map & chart sources, including:

• MNR-produced “fishing maps”
• lodge / camp fishing & navigation maps
• MNR stocking lists & maps
• resource management plans
• topographic maps
• hydrographic / lake-bottom contour maps
• resources maps & plans (e.g. logging)
• maps prepared by previous groups
• canoe / hiking route maps
• maps prepared by local clubs
• sanctuary maps & notices
• aerial photographs & satellite images

Speak to others with experience on the lake, including:

• local anglers
• MNR district fisheries personnel
• guides / charter operators
• suggested references (by phone)

Immediately after booking a trip work through the above lists – a task easily managed if your group shares in the research. Besides, it is actually fun trying to figure out the lake, sight unseen and even better when you discover that some of your assessments were correct. And, having done some of the “leg work” prior to the trip, you will have considerably more time for a thorough “on-the-water” survey once you reach your destination.

Upon Arrival

Arriving at your departure point or fly-in airbase, the work begins again. Now is the time to ask others about the destination to which you are headed, including:

• outfitter / air service personnel
• bait & tackle shop proprietors
• cottagers, campers, canoeists
• fishing / conservation club members
• lodge operator / guides
• camp clientele (especially repeaters)

A Fly Over

If your group is flying into a remote outpost or lodge, ask the pilot to do a “fly over” of the lake(s) you will be fishing. With a rough, photocopied outline map in hand, look for and mark any:

• congregations of boats
• adjoining back lakes
• inflowing / outflowing streams
• shoals, sunken islands, points
• large weedbeds / weedlines
• log jams / shoreline cover
• rapids, dams
• lodge / cabin location

Previous Party Info

Upon arriving and unpacking, with map in hand, talk to departing anglers about the lake, the fishing, and the camp, including:

• fishing hotspots
• proven baits & tactics
• reasonable expectations (numbers, size)
• boating hazards
• boats & motors
• camp gear & appliances
• portages / trails to back lakes
• shore lunch site(s)
• bait availability / minnow traps
• sanctuary areas

A Working Map

By now, that rough outline map could be pretty marked up, hopefully with useful bits of information and locations that will make those first outings on the lake safer and more productive. Take a few moments to re-draw the map more precisely , and give each “boat” in your party their own map to record useful findings. As the map develops, it won’t be a pretty sight, but its value will be inestimable later and on subsequent trips. As you fish and explore the lake or river over the course of your stay, mark on the map:

• fishing hotspots
• landmarks / hazards
• current flows & direction
• good shoreline stretches
• prime cover areas
• mid-lake weedbeds
• structural elements

Never be without a portable depthfinder when fishing an unfamiliar lake or river. Depending on its capabilities, the graph (apart from displaying the bottom contours and water depths) can provide other important data to help you in your survey, including:

• breakline
• deep-water basins
• fish / baitfish
• bottom “content”
• structural specifics
• water temperature
  
• trolling speed

Productive Tactics

Hey, we are fishermen, not cartographers – so let’s go fishing ! At the risk of oversimplifying the strategies used to explore and fish an unfamiliar lake, break down your approach as follows:

• prepare the “working map”
• parcel the lake into manageable sections
• cover water quickly
• use a variety of lures / techniques
• eliminate unproductive water
• pinpoint fishing “hotspots”
• update the map continuously

>

Parcel Up the Lake / River

It’s easy to be overwhelmed on a new lake, especially larger ones. Instead, divide the lake into more manageable sections, and treat each as if it were a separate lake. As each boat explores, fishes, and maps a section, information is shared and. Later, checked out by the others to verify the findings. Even very large lakes can be quickly cut down to size using this approach. However, if there is only one boat and five lake sections, start with the most promising or highly recommended section in order to get on fish quickly and to avoid wasting valuable time checking out “empty water” for half the trip.
On rivers, this system is especially easy and effective. Devoting a half-day to each stretch provides diversity, yet still allows for more time to be devoted to the “best” spots later.

Cover Water Quickly

In a relatively short time you will want to explore, fish and map a designated portion of the lake with hopes of locating the most productive spots in that section. To do this, move quickly – trolling fast-breaking shorelines, casting exposed shoals, working along weedlines with spinnerbaits, spinners or spoons. If fish are caught, it may be an area deserving of a slower, more precise attack later. First, however, finish the surveying task you set out to accomplish. Mark it on the map and come back later.

Similarly, if a promising or recommended area comes up empty, switch tactics or return to it late in the day (as you re-visit the hotspots identified over the course of the day). Fishing live baits, drifting approaches, backtrolling, float and still fishing are too slow for this part of the hunt but will serve you well later as you probe key spots more slowly and thoroughly.

Eliminate Unproductive Water

It’s said that “you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear”, so don’t waste precious fishing time on “empty water”. On the working map, cross out shallow back bays choked with weeds, areas with “ooze” bottoms or less than six feet of water. Abandon shorelines which slope gradually to deeper, regular bottoms. Forget most of the lake’s deepest basins (more than 25 feet). Forget casting to reeds growing atop sand bars under just two or three feet of water. This approach will effectively eliminate more than two-thirds of most lakes and will not only save you time and frustration, but will also assure that most of your precious fishing time is spent in more productive areas.

Of course, there are exceptions to every example stated above – bass in the slop, early season pike in the shallows, lake trout in the depths, but most are seasonal movement patterns, which, in turn, help to eliminate other areas which might be better during a different part of the fishing season.

Pinpoint & Mark Prime Spots / Cover / Structures

With much of the lake already eliminated during the initial scouting process, keying on the lake’s prime spots and structural features should be much easier now. Fish promising or recommended spots slowly and thoroughly. When a good spot and good catches come together, accurately mark the spot in your GPS unit, with a floating marker buoy or carefully triangulate the exact location using nearby and obvious landmarks. Immediately mark them on the working copy of the map (in colour).

Update the Map

Either for your own use on subsequent trips, as a favour to groups that follow, or as a courtesy to the outfitter, keep the map up to date as it has considerable value to all parties involved. Mine come in handy when I summarize fishing trips for magazine articles and for the countless inquiries I receive each year via e-mail. Show me yours, and I’ll show you mine !

Arranging and planning the annual fishing trip for the “boys” or your family is an important and demanding task at the best of times. When daring to venture to unfamiliar destinations, the uncertainties regarding the details and the fishing opportunities are accentuated still further. This season, when the time comes to head out to that unfamiliar lake or river, have your homework done, a “working map: at the ready, and a strategic approach for surveying and fishing the lake in mind. Anxieties will be lessened, the chances of success heightened. And, as you have, no doubt, heard and read many times, confidence plays a very large part in any successful fishing outing. But now you are ready! Enjoy your trip.

Online since 1998 by long-time OFM field editor, Bill Rivers, the Ontario Fisherman is now taking on a new look, but remains committed to showcasing “the best of Ontario sportfishing”.

Ontario Fisherman Resources

Author: Bill Rivers
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: PC gaming

More and more women are learning to enjoy fishing each and every day. And, why not? Fishing is a sport that doesnt require exceptional strength, stamina or height quite the contrary, fishing is a sport of agility, finesse and patience, skills many women already possess. So why dont more women fish?

Successful fishing requires knowledge of various types of fishing gear, tackle, and an understanding of the quarry. Fish have a variety of feeding habits, behavioral patterns, etc. and these characteristics influence how to go about fishing for them.

Traditionally, men learned how to fish when they were boys from fathers and grandfathers. Even if this training was lacking, its no big deal for a guy to hang out with other guys who enjoy fishing and learn the ropes from them.

For a woman, though, the process is apt to be somewhat more difficult. In my family of all girls, we learned the thrill of fishing as children from our father. Fortunately for us, our dad was an equal-opportunity fisherman…and he was a very patient man.

We learned to bait our own hooks, remove fish from the line, and clean the fish as well. We were rewarded with many an enjoyable Sunday on the lake competing for top family fishing honors of who caught the most and the biggest fish.

For women who werent brought up fishing as I was, all is certainly not lost. Although learning from a boyfriend or spouse is not out of the question, a significant other may not be the best place to get your first fishing pointers.

Your honey may not have the patience that you will need to learn proper fishing technique and he may be a bit condescending as wellnot exactly conducive to an enjoyable learning experience.

Try instead local womens fishing clubs. Check online for groups in your area that are specifically organized by and for women. Many groups are primarily centered on fly-fishing but not all are.

Also see if your community college or local university offers any fishing courses. Often fishing classes are offered in the adult education, physical education or recreation departments.

Of course, you can also start at your local library, checking out books on fishing and learning a few basic techniques that way.

Your local fishing outfitter or marina may have more information as well and would also be a good place for information and to network with other fishing women.

Another option is to go online and search for websites catering to women and the outdoors or, more specifically, women and fishing. One such website is www.ladiesletsgofishing.com.

Founded by Betty Bauman of Ft. Lauderdale, FL in 1997, LLGF promotes networking among women anglers and emphasizes mentorship between novice and experienced members.

Other groups, both national and state, promote fishing for women. There are seminars, fishing adventures and special fishing events scheduled year-round in many areas of the country which are organized especially for women anglers.

Yet another reason fishing is a great hobby for women is because beginning your fishing experiences need not be prohibitively expensive. Especially when compared to other hobbies, start-up costs for spin or bait-casting fishing equipment are not tremendously high. Generally speaking, $200 or less can buy more than enough basic quality fishing gear for a beginner to get started. To start up a fly-fishing hobby will cost a bit more as the gear tends to be more expensive.

This, of course, doesnt include a boat! But, many fishing locations can be reached without a boat. Again, do your research to find areas accessible by car.

More women should consider fishing for an enjoyable and challenging hobby. Learning the basics of fishing is easy but perfecting those angling skills can take many hours of sometimes peaceful and sometimes extremely exciting time at the other end of a line.

E. A. Edwards is a free-lance writer with a variety of professional and personal interests. You will find more information about fishing and fishing gear on http://www.fishing-rod-guide.info.

Author: E. A. Edwards
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Electric Pressure Cooker