| 716. |
Leather Liver General Fishing
Take chunks of chicken liver and set in sun for an hour or two before fishing. This gives the liver a leathery texture, which makes it easier to work with, and it stays on the hook better.
LBF Member: Bitsy Bug
|
| 717. |
Fishing Heavy Weeds Bass Fishing
When you see heavy weed patches,(in the water,) bass are usually tucked away underneath them. I've found if you texas rig a senko and cast it past the weeds, tighten your slack and take your rod tip from the 9 o'clock position to the 12 o'clock postion, very slowly, you will bring the bass out of hiding and it will usually hit the worm at the 12 o'clock postion. Happy Hunting!
LBF Member: melkizadek
|
| 718. |
Summertime Luring Bass Fishing
A widely thought scenario is that Bass will respond to a quick noisey retrieve or a faster motion to most if not all lures when the water is warmer. Not true all the time, How about this?
Because Bass are more active in the spring and summer months, does not necessarily mean you have to speed your lure retrieve or presentation up. Of course the more speed and change you adminster to a buzzbait or a rattletrap etc. will excite Bass yes and trigger strikes bassed on sound and color. I find moving a Rubber worm up and down slowly or retreiving a spinner bait at a slower pace could provoke a harder strike due to the fact that Bass love to ambush. Bass always want to see there prey even if the intial response to the bait was by sound or vibation. You all know that a more successful ambush is based on if you can see the target and timing, and if the target is slower,this in turn will make the ambush more effective.
|
| 719. |
Yellow Powerbait is the best! Freshwater
After many years of comparing the different colors of powerbait head to head, the yellow always out produces the others. Make sure the label says yellow because some people pick up chartruse by accident. One reason I believe this color works so well is that it imiates small clams. Many early season trout that I catch on this bait, have stomachs loaded with small yellow clams.
LBF Member: reveler8
|
| 720. |
Handling Fish Fly Fishing
When handling fish, always wet your hands first in order to protect the delicate layer of "slime" covering the fish's body. This layer of "slime" is vital to the fish's immune system. Also be sure to avoid any contact with the gills. These delicate organs are easily damaged. By keeping a fish out of water any longer than 30 seconds, you may risk causing the tiny membranes in the gills to dry out and not function propperly.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 721. |
Look for what trout are feeding on. Fly Fishing
Look around the area you are fishing to try and find what the trout might be feeding on. Look on the vegetation for insects, peek under rocks, and examine grasses hanging over the river. If any insects are floating on the water, catch one and examine it. Use a hand seine under the water, by holding it downstream as you overturn a few rocks and stir a little gravel. This will help you to see what insects are under the water. Then take all of this into account when you go to pick a fly from your flybox. Try to closely match the color, size, and shape of the insects that you found.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 722. |
Indicator Fly Fishing
Why not double your chances of catching a fish? Get rid of that strike indicator and use a large attractor dry fly as an indicator. Then tie an emerger like an RS2 about 18" from the shank of the dry fly hook. If you're lucky, you may wind up with two fish on at the same time.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 723. |
Stripping is Important Fly Fishing
Don't overlook the importance of stripping. Always strip line in as the fly floats toward you to keep as little slack in the line as possible. When a fish takes your fly, you rarely have time to lift all of the extra slack line off the water in order to set the hook, before the fish, spits the fly out
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 724. |
Checking gear Fly Fishing
Periodically, throughout the day, check your leader and tippet for damage. Just pull it through your finger tips and feel for nicks, knots and abrasions. These little nicks in the line may not seem like a problem, but they will be the weak spot that will break when you have just hooked that trophy fish.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 725. |
Try Upstream Fly Fishing
If the fish seem to be particularly shy, try fishing to the fish that are upstream, since they have their heads pointed upstream, away from you.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 726. |
Blend in with Surroundings Fly Fishing
Blend in with the surroundings as much as possible. By avoiding white and brightly-colored clothes, you'll be harder for the fish to see, and spook them less.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 727. |
Sight Casting Fly Fishing
When sight fishing, you can see when a trout takes your nymph by watching for the white inside of their mouth to appear. Also, watch for them to move sideways in one direction. They may have moved over to catch your oncoming fly.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 728. |
Polarized Sunglasses Fly Fishing
Don't even bother fishing without polarized sunglasses. Their lenses reduce the glare off the water and allow you to see into the river. You'll be amazed at how much more you can see underwater. They also allow you to see your dry fly on the water when it would normally get lost in a glare.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 729. |
Crossing Rivers Fly Fishing
Never cross a fast-moving river that could be potentially unsafe. For improved stability try using a light-weight bamboo wading stick with a slip-resistant bottom. Just drill a hole in the top, and connect it to your waders with an elastic strap. Then when you're fishing, just let the stick float behind you. Perhaps the safest way to cross a stream is with a buddy, interlocking your arms.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 730. |
Presenting the fly Fly Fishing
There are two basic keys to catching trout: presenting an appealing fly and allowing it move downstream with realistically. This means not only picking the right fly, but presenting in a way so that it looks like it's not attached to your line.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 731. |
Stalking Fish Fly Fishing
Always remember to walk softly when approaching the water. Fish have a very keen sense of hearing, particularly they feel vibrations from your footsteps.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 732. |
Casting Shadows Fly Fishing
Don't just concern yourself with how you cast. Also be aware of the shadow that you cast. If it crosses over the water that you want to cast to, you'll most likely spook the fish.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 733. |
Tippet Size Fly Fishing
In highly fished waters like the San Juan or the Green River, fish have been caught many many times. Eventually they become weary and very particular about what they will eat. If you are noticing that the fish are watching your flies but not taking them, no matter what you do, try putting on a smaller tippet. The tippet can often make the difference between catching a fish and not.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 734. |
Remember Contours Freshwater
Near the end of summer, many of our lakes and reservoirs are low, and even sometimes nearly empty. Take advantage of this and try to memorize where the contours and structure are located. Even draw it out on a piece of paper. Not the stumps, rocks, underwater depressions etc. Then next spring, you'll know where the fish are hanging when the water level is back up again.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 735. |
Cold Weather Fishing Freshwater
One of the biggest mistakes anglers make when cold-water vertical jigging is ripping their lures too rapidly.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 736. |
Spring Fishing Freshwater
In spring, feeder creeks are often a little warmer than the main river, attracting baitfish, in turn attracting walleyes.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 737. |
Cold Weather Fihing Freshwater
The most effective method for catching cold water fish below river dams in late winter/early spring is using a jig, minnow and stinger hook.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 738. |
Suspended Walleye Freshwater
Make sure your jig doesn't go below suspended walleye. One trick is to mark the fish level and put a slip bobber knot on the line and adjust it for the amount of line needed under the rod tip to reach the fish.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 739. |
Bottom bouncers for Walleye Freshwater
Bottom bouncers are one of the deadliest tools a walleye fisherman can use. They are my fail safe presentation when nothing else will work. There is nothing like putting your bait right in the face of those "belly to the bottom" walleyes and covering a lot of territory relatively snag free. Here are a few simple tips to help you get the most out of this deadly device:
From the tip of your rod, down to the water, keep your line at no less than a 45 degree angle. The more upright a bottom bouncer is, the less likely you are to get it snagged.
Let the bottom structure of the area you are fishing determine the length of your snell. For sand or gravel bottoms, I prefer a longer snell, anywhere from 3 to 6 feet. For rocky or stump infested areas, try a shorter length of 18 to 24 inches.
Although live bait can often bring dynamite results, it also brings a lot of smaller fish around and they can be a headache by constantly pulling off the bait. To avoid this, try using Berkley Power Baits. The little fish can't pull them off as easily and this will allow you to keep fishing until that big one decides it's his turn to bite!
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 740. |
Avoiding Debris when Trolling Freshwater
As an avid walleye fisherman, trolling is a big part of my arsenal. Having said that, nothing can be more frustrating to a troller than weeds and other debris floating in the water. A good method for making life a little easier in these conditions, is to place a small split shot several feet up the line from your lure. Most of the debris will catch the split shot and allow your bait to wobble freely and hopefully put a few nice walleyes in the boat.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 741. |
Use Sharp Hooks General Fishing
Having sharp hooks is imperative to making sure that once you feel a bite, it will be hooked. Get yourself a good quality sharpening device and carry it with you whenever you are on the water. Hooks get dull from bouncing around in tackle boxes, being drug through rocky bottoms, and just every day wear and tear that we fishermen put them through. Even new hooks can have a less than desirable point. A walleye's bite is often very light and hard to detect. When you do feel one, don't let a dull hook come between you and him.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 742. |
Ttuning Baits General Fishing
Any bait that you use should be tuned every time you put it in the water. With crankbaits, you want the lure to run "true", or in other words, to track straight. Hold them in the water at the side of the boat while moving at the approximate rate you will be trolling or retrieving. Use pliers to bend the fixed ring on the plug right or left until it achieves the desired action. You should also drop jigs or any other bait that you will be using, in the water and watch to see if the action you are imparting to it, is actually what you want it to be. Taking the time to "true" the action on your presentations will put you one step closer to bent rods and bigger photo albums!
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 743. |
Casting Farther General Fishing
To make your rod cast even farther, apply a liquid car wax to all of the insides of the rod guides, wait for the wax to dry, and then buff off the excess. It puts a nice slippery finish on the guides, which increases your rods castability.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 744. |
Short Hitting Walleyes Freshwater
For short hitting walleyes when jigging, use a stinger hook and let it dangle free to increase your odds of hooking short hitting fish.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 745. |
Dacron Line General Fishing
Carry a small spool of Dacron line in your tackle box. It makes great slip bobber knots when you run out of the original pre-tied knots.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 746. |
High Water in Rivers Freshwater
When rivers seem unfishable it is often best to try the creeks and streams that feed the river. These spot's water level drops faster and clears earlier than the main river. Large numbers of fish swim into these smaller waters and become quite catchable. Some fish travel far upstream while others stay right at the mouth.
LBF Member: reveler8
|
| 747. |
Breaking in a buzzbait Bass Fishing
An easy way to break in a new buzz bait so it gets that good squeak to it is on your way to the lake tie the bait to your truck mirror. When you get to the lake it will be set.
LBF Member: legacy_hunter02
|
| 748. |
Trailers Bass Fishing
When bass are short striking ur lure ad a treble stinger hook. Just insert the main hook in the eye of the treble and bury one barb of the hook into the plastic lure you are using.
LBF Member: legacy_hunter02
|
| 749. |
Spike-it dye Bass Fishing
There are many ways to use this stuff on soft plastics. Two of my favrite ways is to use red dye on soft jerkbaits such as zoom flukes or the chartruse dye one the tails of may diffrent plastics.
LBF Member: legacy_hunter02
|
| 750. |
Tying containers Fly Fishing
One way to keep all your small materials such as beads, leg material organizes is to use 35mm film canisters. You can get paper stick on lables to identify what is in each container.
LBF Member: legacy_hunter02
|
| 751. |
Skipping soft plastics Freshwater
When skipping soft plastics such as tubes and creature baits like under boat docks and such use a screw in weight when texas rigged lures are used this keeps the weight on the bait and not your line when skipping.
LBF Member: legacy_hunter02
|
| 752. |
Determining patterns Freshwater
When trying to determine a patter for largemouth here is one thing that I do. I first start off using 6 rods rigged, 3 with horozontal lures such as a crankbait, spinnerbait & jerkbait. The other 3 rods have vertical baits such as a jig, texas rigged worm & tube. I use downsized lures to start of with, it seems the fish like them better. This way you can determine if the fish are wanting horozontal baits or vertical baits. Once you find that out you can start to fine tune with diffrent sizes and colors.
LBF Member: legacy_hunter02
|
| 753. |
Tubing rings Freshwater
When nose hooking a small tube on a drop shot rig the tube is easy to tear when a strike occurs. An easy way to fix this is get some small split rings. Insert one of the rings in the head of the tube and run your hook through it. It works pretty well and dosent hinder the action of the lure.
LBF Member: legacy_hunter02
|
| 754. |
Tubing rings Freshwater
When nose hooking a small tube on a drop shot rig the tube is easy to tear when a strike occurs. An easy way to fix this is get some small split rings. Insert one of the rings in the head of the tube and run your hook through it. It works pretty well and dosen't hinder the action of the lure.
|
| 755. |
Rod tangles Freshwater
Everyone that stores strung up rods together knows what a pain it is to untangle them if they have gotten tangled together. A simple and cheap way to keep them from this is to take and hook the lure or hook to the reel, take and hold the line in one hand the rod in the other hand, pull the line away from the rod and turn the rod, take and put the last bit of line in your hand and hook it between 2 rod eyes, when its time to use the rod grab the line that is between the 2 rod eyes pull the line and the rod unwraps in a flash.
LBF Member: legacy_hunter02
|
| 756. |
Electrical connections Boating
When adding electronics to your boat you don't want the connections to get wet and corrode. Use liquid electrical tape you can brush it on just about anything you want and its waterproof and seals up soild. When it comes time to remove it it comes off very easy.
LBF Member: legacy_hunter02
|
| 757. |
Spooling up line in the boat Freshwater
When on the water in the boat a good way to spool your line up so it dosen't twist up is to take a pair of needlenose pliers and wedge the handle in between the locker lids so it stands jaws up. Then put your spool of lone on the jaws through the center hole in the spool, and then reel away. This also keeps you from having to change the spool around in the boat.
LBF Member: legacy_hunter02
|
| 758. |
Cold Weather Trout Fly Fishing
Try fishing later morning into the afternoon in cold weather. Somtimes the sun warming the water just a degree or two can entice trout to start feeding.
LBF Member: njtroutman
|
| 759. |
Best Channel Catfish Bait Freshwater
When fishing for channel catfish, the best stuff to use is chiken liver.
LBF Member: fishmaster
|
| 760. |
Be patient when setting the hook Bass Fishing
When fishing with a plastic worm, don't set the hook when you feel the bite. Instead, lower your rod and wait. When you feel the bass again, set the hook.
LBF Member: tanderson
|
| 761. |
Tuna Bait Saltwater
When fishing for jackpot winning tuna, I found that flying fish work wonders on bruising yellowfin tuna. A flyer needs to have its wings extended so that it skips on the surface and looks like a flying fish taking flight.
To do this, flying fish are frozen with toothpicks extending their pectoral "wings" to become primo tuna bait.
To make one extend the fish's pectoral wing out inserting a toothpick under the fin's skin starting from its outer tip and going down the entire length of the wing. Next do the other wing the same way. The toothpick is not visible giving the flyer a lifelike appearance.
Simply place the flying fish and its extended pectoral wings in the freezer until hard frozen and ready to use.
Now you can bridle the bait like your normally would through the eye sockets or hook directly into the back.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 762. |
Tips for a King Saltwater
There are as many opinions on the best way to catch kingfish as there are boats chasing them. But from pros to pleasure boaters, here a few tips everyone can put to use:
Hard Bottom/Warm Water: A good kingfish spot is almost always where hard bottom, high structure and 69 to 72 degree water meet. Once you find this spot start drifting or trolling. Don't anchor because then you won't cover enough water to know whether or not you're on the best spot.
Go Light: Use light tackle in the 12 to 20 pound range with 4/-0 or smailler hooks. You might not boat every fish but your live bait will stay live and frisky longer since it doesn't have to drag around a hook and rig that weighs as much as it does.
Don't be a Drag: Kings will rip lots of line off your reel on high-speed runs. Let them take all they want, but use a reel with a high gear ratio so that you can gain the line back quickly.
Matching Up: Match your rod type to your body type. If you're under 6' use a rod under 6"' , and if you're tall use a longer rod.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 763. |
Tips for catching schooled fish Saltwater
When maneuvering your boat toward a school, don't head for its front or flanks because that may spook the fish. Instead, approach at an angle to its forefront.
* Cast slightly offcenter to the direction in which the school is headed, and chances are it will swerve toward your offering. Don't plop your lure down in the middle of the fish, because that may spook them, too.
* If you do spook the fish and the school disappears, or disburses, back off and wait before leaving the area. Even if they fled in different directions, chances are the school will reform quickly.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 764. |
Blue fish fishing Saltwater
See a school of blues in a frenzy? Don't enter the water - anything within sight is danger of being mauled. Their teeth will make mince meat of mono, so rig up with 1' of wire leader. Don't get choosey, because in a frenzy, blues eat any bait or lure.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 765. |
Wahoo fishing Saltwater
These runaway torpedoes with teeth bite blindingly fast, often tearing away the aft section of a bait, so a stinger hook is in order. Use a long wire leader, up to 5', and keep the line free of any shiny hardware like swivels that could trigger a mid-line strike.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 766. |
Mako Shark fishing Saltwater
These massive predators have jaws that can crush a man, earning the mako a place on the list of known man-eaters, right next to Joan Collins. Rig up with the heaviest wire leader you've got, drift and chum to attract them and bait with whole squid or fish.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 767. |
King Mackeral Tips Saltwater
Kings have up to 40 teeth per jaw, combined with a sleek body made for speed. They often leap from the water like a silver cruise missile, landing on trolled ballyhoo or live baits like pilchards, but shrimp and squid are also on their must-eat list.
Use wire leader and a stinger hook on the bait's tail end. Kings often chop a bait fish in half and may miss a single hook bait.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 768. |
Barracuda Fishing General Fishing
These reef and rig predators are absolutely fearless, sinking thir need-sharp teeth into anything that crosses their line of vision. Use wire leader of at least 10" in length.
Spoons with a tube jig trailer are the most common "cuda" bait, but trolled spoons and live or dead baits are effective. Bring plenty of bait - these guys will tear it up.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 769. |
Sea trout shrimp bait Saltwater
Medium sized shrimp work, better than the larger ones because they stay active longer on the hook. Mike favors large live baits for gator trout, but also notes that gator trout are attracted to the noise of loud surface lures.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 770. |
Handling spotted sea trout Saltwater
Spotted sea trout need to be handled with the up most care. They are far less suited for catch and release that their redfish cousins. It's wise to use a dehooking device to release them, and it's optimal to touch them as little as possible.
(Tip: Before handling any fish, it's important to wet your hands PRIOR to touching them.
The "slime" is actually germ protection for them and when it gets on your hand, it's coming off of the fish. Wetting your hand (or using Catch & Release gloves) helps minimize the loss of their protective slime).
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 771. |
Flounder tackle Saltwater
Even though it can put up a stiff battle when hooked, light tackle is the order of the day when targeting this fish.
The most practical outfit in this situation is probably the same spinning rod already being used for trout. Certainly six- to 10-pound test line is sufficient providing the reel's drag system is set properly. If using live or cut bait without a jig, a 1/0 hook is sufficient.
Anglers might also consider using a short piece of leader material between the line and hook because the fish has a comparatively large mouth containing two rows of sharp teeth. And, since bottom habitat might contain coarse sand, shells, rocks, barnacles, or other obstructions, a regular inspection for line abrasions is advised.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 772. |
Setting the hook with flounder Saltwater
If a flounder picks it up you will feel the line being pulled slowly out, give the flounder line so it doesn't feel the weight of the sinker. This is the hard part, don't set the hook instantly, give the fish time to get your bait into its mouth. A count of thirty is usually a long enough time, before you take up the slack in the line and set the hook.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 773. |
Flounder fishing Saltwater
When flounder fishing with hook and line, many anglers prefer using a jig with a plastic tail that resembles a shrimpor minnow. Live or cut bait can also be utilized with a jig head, as can an effective additive such as Cotee's Tippit or Bait Shapes product. Some anglers prefer a slip sinker rig when using live shrimp or baitfish. When using the slip sinker rig cast your bait and let it sit on the bottom for a couple minutes. If you don't detect a pickup lift the rod tip and let it sit again.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 774. |
Always use a sturdy walking stick Fly Fishing
Always use a sturdy walking stick for added stability when crossing a river. Use a permanent marker to mark the height of your waders on the stick so that you can check the depth of the water before stepping into water deeper than your waders.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 775. |
When handling fish, always wet your hands first Fly Fishing
When handling fish, always wet your hands first in order to protect the delicate layer of "slime" covering the fish's body. This layer of "slime" is vital to the fish's immune system. Also be sure to avoid any contact with the gills. These delicate organs are easily damaged. By keeping a fish out of water any longer than 30 seconds, you may risk causing the tiny membranes in the gills to dry out and not function propperly.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 776. |
Find what the trout might be feeding on Fly Fishing
Look around the area you are fishing to try and find what the trout might be feeding on. Look on the vegetation for insects, peek under rocks, and examine grasses hanging over the river. If any insects are floating on the water, catch one and examine it. Use a hand seine under the water, by holding it downstream as you overturn a few rocks and stir a little gravel. This will help you to see what insects are under the water. Then take all of this into account when you go to pick a fly from your flybox. Try to closely match the color, size, and shape of the insects that you found.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 777. |
Get rid of that strike indicator Fly Fishing
Why not double your chances of catching a fish? Get rid of that strike indicator and use a large attractor dry fly as an indicator. Then tie an emerger like an RS2 about 18" from the shank of the dry fly hook. If you're lucky, you may wind up with two fish on at the same time.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 778. |
The importance of stripping Fly Fishing
Don't overlook the importance of stripping. Always strip line in as the fly floats toward you to keep as little slack in the line as possible. When a fish takes your fly, you rarely have time to lift all of the extra slack line off the water in order to set the hook, before the fish, spits the fly out.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 779. |
Check your leader and tippet Fly Fishing
Periodically, throughout the day, check your leader and tippet for damage. Just pull it through your finger tips and feel for nicks, knots and abrasions. These little nicks in the line may not seem like a problem, but they will be the weak spot that will break when you have just hooked that trophy fish.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 780. |
Fish upstream Fly Fishing
If the fish seem to be particularly shy, try fishing to the fish that are upstream, since they have their heads pointed upstream, away from you.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
Outdoor Travel
Fishing Reports
Fishing Knots
North American Freshwater Fishing Spots
Fishing Jokes
Fish ID
Fish Recipes
Trophy Room
Weekly Special 15% Off Roboworm - May 10, 2024
50% OFF ALL V&M - May 10, 2024
