| 769. |
Never cross a fast-moving river 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
|
| 770. |
walk softly 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
|
| 771. |
Fly casting 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
|
| 772. |
Bottom bouncers 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
|
| 773. |
Trolling through debris 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
|
| 774. |
Keep your hooks sharp Freshwater
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
|
| 775. |
Tuned Crankbaits Freshwater
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
|
| 776. |
Increase your number of catches Freshwater
You can increase your number of catches, by using more rods, where allowed by law. Why not use a second rod with a small shiner minnow, lip hooked, several feet below a bobber. This rod won't require any work. Just let it sit there while you continue casting your other rod.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 777. |
Using Topo Maps Freshwater
After you have familiarized yourself with a topo map of a lake or reservoir, you can find the fish more easily. Once you locate the fish, note the characteristics. Are they in the shallows? Are they along a sloping point? Match the conditions, and you’ll probably find more fish. That’s to say, if you found the fish, find a similar area when you are ready to move. Your chances of catching more fish are greatly improved.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 778. |
Using the Carolina Rig Freshwater
On those weekends when you are forced to fish right next to other fishermen, the fish feel pressured and sometimes get spooked and hard to catch. When they don’t seem to be responding to anything, in open water, especially along a sloping point, you can always resort to the "Fisherman’s Friend", the Carolina rig. This heavy rig will really help you to get a realistic presentation for those weary, spooked fish. On the sloping point, the heavy weight really pulls the rig along nicely. It usually works great, catching fish after fish while others just can’t get anything. Be sure to experiment with different leader lengths in order to work slightly different depths. This can make a world of difference.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 779. |
Carolina Rig Tips Freshwater
Everyone knows that tying up a Carolina rig can be slow. So here’s a quick tip to speed it up next time. When you go to cut off your Carloina rig, don’t remove all of the components from the line. Just cut the line a few feet up from the sinker and keep all the stuff on the line. Then tie the ends together, to keep the pieces from sliding off. Now you won’t have to search through your tackle box for all of the pieces next time. Just cut off the knot and tie this whole rig onto your main line. You may want to drop it into a pill bottle in your tackle box so it won’t get tangled.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 780. |
Topfeeding Bass Freshwater
When the bass are feeding on the top near dusk, try using a top water like a Zara Spook. It can be fished several different ways. First try a speedy, jerky retrieve that causes a lot of commotion and really gets their attention. Then slow and only twitch the lure about every 10 seconds to make it look like an injured floating fish
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 781. |
Feeder Creeks Freshwater
In spring, feeder creeks are often a little warmer than the main river, attracting baitfish, in turn attracting walleyes.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 782. |
Cold Water Fish 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
|
| 783. |
Cast 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
|
| 784. |
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
|
| 785. |
slip bobber knots Freshwater
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
|
| 786. |
Drawing Flounder Saltwater
You can draw flounder to an anchored boat by churning the water with a dragging anchor, long poles or clam rakes.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 787. |
Flounder fishing Saltwater
Flounder are likely to spread out over a wide area so you should drift the mouths of inlets, bayous, rivers, and the edges of channels. Rather than achoring.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 788. |
Fish rotten sea grass Saltwater
Rotten sea grass warms the water attracting mullet, crabs, and other gamefish food.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 789. |
Big trout Saltwater
Fish big baits for big trout. It is not uncommon for a trout to try and eat bait half its size. GO BIG.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 790. |
Fish at night for big trout Saltwater
Big trout feed at night. There is less boat traffic at night and pressure from anglers. Lighted piers provide a great oppurtunity to consistently catch big trout.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 791. |
Be quiet when looking for big trout Saltwater
When approached on the flats, trout are diffilcult to sight cast, and it's uncommon to see them before they see you. They are easier to wade fish than approach with a boat.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 792. |
Fish structure for big fish Saltwater
Even on the flats you'll notice that bigger fish tend to hang on near depressions, points, sandbars, oyster beds etc.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 793. |
Flounder Saltwater
When flounder fishing with a hook and line, i prefer using a jig with a tail that resembles a shrimp or minnow.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 794. |
Cod Fishing in the North Saltwater
I fish way up here in Norway but fishing is fishing. The Codfish (called Torsk in Norwegian) is especially attracted to yellow and orange lures. Particulary spoons!
The Cod is a bottom dwelling fish and you need to get to the bottom with either lures or a bottom rig.
These fish do get heavy and one does need a 30 to 40 pound test line because they inhabit the waters where 60 to 100lb salmon run. So one must be prepared for that bone jarring strike if you fortunately catch a salmon as well.
One last word of caution. Cod fish are perhaps the most oily fish in the world so be prepared to get messy. I use hardened plastic thongs to grab the fish head and a serrated blade to cut the fish done to the bone behind the most forward fin.
Be sure to extricate all the tiny but sharp rib bones. I use a set of pliers to take them out and leave me with a excellent tasting filet of fish.
Remember the bright lures (1 1/2 ounce lure minimum on a 30 to 40 lbs test line).
You're going to love the way the fish tastes when you finally cook it in Olive Oil or butter.
Jesse Jr
LBF Member: Fish the North
|
| 795. |
Just for fun Freshwater
If you are bored on your fishing trip, just find a thin but strong stick about 2 feet long, attach a 2 pound test line to the tip of the stick and use the smallest hook you have. then put a very small piece of a baby nightcrawler on the hook and also put the smallest bobber you have on the line. cast very close to shore and enjoy catching tiny sunfish in seconds. A great activity if you're bored while waiting for the big fish to bite.
LBF Member: dr_kotlyar
|
| 796. |
topwater lure fishing Saltwater
Many times you can tell when you are about to get when if you see a wave from a red before it actually gets to the lure. Dont panic, Just wait and when it takes the bait and runs, SET THE HOOK!!
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 797. |
topwater fishing Saltwater
trout and reds feed on smaller baitfish that cover the surface of shallow waters. When you spot a school of bait acting nervously, cast to the edge of the school and then begin your retrieve. There is nothing like the excitement of seeing the water explode after a hit.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 798. |
reading the water Saltwater
Watching the water and taking some notes on where and how the waves break, should give you some idea of where the cuts are located. Waves break harder against greater resistance, hence, if they're breaking less in any given spot, there must be a cut in the bars.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 799. |
sea gulls Saltwater
Anytime you find seagulls feeding on the water, you know they are feeding on baitfish that have been driven to the top by the larger game fish below.
|
| 800. |
Stuck anchor Boating
If you find that your anchor is stuck on the bottom and all attempts have failed to free it, attach a float to it and return when tides have changed direction. This sometimes loosens a trapped anchor.
|
| 801. |
Sea sickness Boating
If you have a problem with sea sickness always stay on the deck and try to watch things in the distance, like the horizon. Also stay upwind from the boat's exhaust Breathing fumes makes things worse.
|
| 802. |
circle hooks General Fishing
Useing cirle hooks can guarantee you more landed fish, because of the small gap and inverted point. They are also better for the fish since they generally hook the lip.
|
| 803. |
fishing reefs Saltwater
Your most productive fishing will generally be over reefs since they are home to all of the food sources that large gamefish like to feed on.
|
| 804. |
spider wire General Fishing
If you have trouble cutting spiderwire braid, try a lighter or match.
|
| 805. |
Yellow fin tuna Saltwater
Yellow fin tuna can often be found schooling with dolphins.
|
| 806. |
soft crabs imitation Saltwater
Fish with a soft crab imitation during the full moon periods. That's when the crabs shed their shells. Reds love them.
|
| 807. |
Snook fishing Saltwater
Fish for Snook very much like you would for Largemouth bass. They like to hang along ledges, and around structure, like piers, rocks ect.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 808. |
Small Pond Fishing Freshwater
When fishing small ponds for rainbow trout check the bottom content. See if it is muddy. If so, use a bobber in stead of a pickler rig because it will sink deeply in the mud and the fish will not see it.
LBF Member: garman
|
| 809. |
Lively Bait Saltwater
Keep baiy lively longer by changing the livewell water with bay water. One bucket out, one bucket in. You will be able to tell the difference.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 810. |
Flounder Saltwater
You can have a better chance at catching flounder if you position yourself at an area where baitfish are forced to go through, such as a pass or point. Flounder will ambush baitfish in areas like that on incoming and outgoing tides.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 811. |
Bait Tips Saltwater
To make bait tips, get an old mayo jar (plastic if you can) and cut peeled shrimp into small one inch or smaller pieces. Lay a layer of shrimp on the bottom and then spread salt over them. Continue this pattern until the jar is almost full. Let it stand for at least three weeks. You can use it with your lures or with fresh bait. The smell really attracts fish and it isnt easily picked off by smaller fish.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 812. |
Fresh Water Run Off Saltwater
Alot of people don't like fishing the bays after alot of rain, but i found that if you fish in deeper water you can have good success. I guess the water quailty is better on the bottom. i cant explain it, but that has worked will for me.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 813. |
Carolina Lunker Sauce Saltwater
carolna lunker sauce works best if you put your soft plastics in a small sandwich bag and soak over night. I limited out on specks and caught two reds and two flounder.
LBF Member: big smoove
|
| 814. |
Buck Fever is not just brought on by Whitetails General Fishing
How many times have you been on the deer stand when out walks the big boy…..and you freeze. The mere sight of his massive antlers mesmerizes you to the point that you either take a poor shot…..or worse yet no shot at all. This all too familiar condition is lovingly called BUCK FEVER.
So you ask, what does this have to do with fishing?
As a co-angler (no-boater) in a B.A.S.S. federated club for the past 9 years, I have experienced this condition at the most inopportune time…..that is while attempting to net my partners’ fish.
Just the sight of that big ol’ bucket-mouth is as exciting as spotting that 8 point buck in the woods. But to make a mistake on the water is much worse than that in the woods. For this isn’t your deer here….this is your partners’ fish….maybe even the LUNKER of the day!
So this is my tip……Just as in hunting don’t focus on the antlers but on the kill zone. With each potential moss-back lunker, as the net man I focus on his tail. For if I focus on his only means of propulsion I can successfully bring aboard my partners’ fish and keep peace and myself on the boat for the rest of the tournament.
LBF Member: spungee
|
| 815. |
On-water first aid for the ''stubborn'' Angler General Fishing
If you are a stubborn weekend angler, like myself, you've probably quite often resorted to tugging in the line bare handed to free an expensive lure that has embedded itself in some past it's prime lumber on the bottom of your favorite honey hole.
Many times I've found that in doing so I end up cutting myself with the line and of course fail to have a band-aid on board to stop the bleeding.
My remedy is one that come from the medical field.......Super glue!
That's right! Aplly one small drop of this magic adhesive to the cut and in seconds you are good as new and back to fishing again.
It also comes in handy for gluing that last plastic worm or lizard in the color of the day.
LBF Member: spungee
|
| 816. |
Desire - Always ask more of yourself General Fishing
There are many “keys” to becoming a successful bass fisherman. One detail that seems to always be left out is the desire to become successful. We all “want” to be successful but how many truly “desire” to be successful. There is a huge difference between the two.
Desire is defined as the “intensity” of wanting something. It is a powerful emotion or feeling. Intense desire is a great motivator that propels us towards our goals. Without desire there is not enough of an emotional investment to pave the way to success.
Motivation is that which leads us to action. The difference between the average tournament angler and truly successful tournament angler is the degree of self-motivation and desire. Motivation falls in line with ambition. The desire for advancement, the eagerness for success, honor and fame should be your driving force.
Desire drives us to always ask more of ourselves.
LBF Member: Bob Popp
|
| 817. |
Catch Bait with Bait Freshwater
Use nightcrawlers to catch shiners and chubs and then use the left over crawlers and the minnows you caught and go fishn'. NOTE: I find that minnows are alot harder to catch than some fish (such as bream) and you have to know just when to strike. I recomend using a bobber with the hook low enough to sit on the bottom. These fish like to eat and run, so at the slightest tap, be ready to strike. Good Luck :)
|
| 818. |
Live Bait & Kayaking Saltwater
I have a kayak and do saltwater fishing. There isn't much room as you might guess. I found a float that is covered by a net for putting my catch in. I got it a W-Mart for around $15. It floats behind the Yak. I use live shrimp, so, I've been using a bait bucket which is a pain. I noticed that the little lady put her dainties in a mesh bag when she does the wash. I got one of those, put it in my bait bucket. When I launch, I put it inside the floating ring and cinch it so the shrimp will stay secure. The shrimp are in fresh water all the time and it is a heck of a lot easier to use one devise than it is to use two.
LBF Member: tsetliff
|
| 819. |
Cheep Salmon Setup Freshwater
Another option to using an expensive Pencil lead holder( ones with swivels and rubber holders )is using surgical tubing and cutting off about an inch. Slide the line through the middle and insert the pencil lead. You now have an easy way to also very the leader lenght by sliding it up or down the line. If you loose this it is mcu cheeper and easier to rerig.
LBF Member: tgarland
|
| 820. |
Crankbait Upgrade General Fishing
I found last summer when I started this little gimmick my rate of fish catching increased dramatically. I take a piece of soldering wire, about one inch, paint it red with finger nail polish and wind it behind but in front of the ring that holds the trebles, making sure that the treble has free swing. This dips the rear end of the small crankbaits down just enough so that I was catching all those that just rose and blew on the bait. Try it and select the right amout of wire for the size bait you are using and I guarantee the results. good luck joe
|
| 821. |
Turtle Markers Saltwater
When fishing for cobia on the East coast or in the Gulf, never pass up an opportunity to cast around sea turtles. Cobia are often in close association with them. Be careful, the turtles are protected by law.
|
| 822. |
Getting Loose Fly Fishing
When you're snagged on the back side of an object and can't get closer because of deep water or swift current, strip off enough line to allow you to raise your rod vertically, then snap it down into a roll cast over or past the snag, pulling the fly loose from the opposite direction. Immediately raise the rod and retrieve the fly. It works!
|
| 823. |
Pike in late fall Freshwater
I've found that using livebait for pike in late fall is better than lures.
|
| 824. |
Live bait for northerns Freshwater
For northerns, get minnows at least 6-7 inches and hook them behind their dorsal fin with a treble hook. Fish on a dropoff.
|
| 825. |
trailers Bass Fishing
When you are getting short bites on a worm, the thing that I found works is to use a short shank trailer hook on the worm. It can be used in any rigging style and increases your hook up percentage with out losing the action.
LBF Member: hunter72714
|
| 826. |
Carolina Rigs Bass Fishing
Something that I found that works well on a carolina rig is to put a jig and then a fluke on the end. This shows the fluke as a bait fish going for the jig a double wammy.
LBF Member: hunter72714
|
| 827. |
How to catch small bait fish Saltwater
When I fish I use a umbella net I drop it down but not to far and I throw small pices of bread over it then I pull the net up real fast and I catch at least five small bait fish at a time.
LBF Member: minichest
|
| 828. |
Attract Catfish Freshwater
A god way to attract catfish is to rub peanut butter on your lures.
LBF Member: minichest
|
| 829. |
Launching Boat Boating
When I launch my boat I put on hip boots making it easier to get the boat off and on the trailer. It takes the danger away from trying to walk down the trailer and falling off. It takes me less then a minute to change from shoes to hip boats and I am off and on the trailer faster then without them.
LBF Member: redstreake
|
| 830. |
2-piece rods General Fishing
Before connecting 2 or more piece fishing rods together, rub male end along side your nose or in your hair. The natural oils you produce will lubercate the connection, making it easier to seperate.
LBF Member: redstreake
|
| 831. |
Nightcrawlers Freshwater
To store nightcrawlers overnight before your fishing trip, tear up news paper ( black and white only ) in 1" x 6" pieces and soak with distilled water. Drain the excess water and place paper and crawlers in container. This removes the slime and makes them hardier.
LBF Member: redstreake
|
| 832. |
Cleaning saltwater tackle Saltwater
If you have saltwater tackle that has green tarnish from not cleaning it after use, try using Coke-Cola and a tooth brush. Soak tackle for 1/2 hour in Coke-Cola , then scrub with tooth brush.
LBF Member: redstreake
|
Research
