| 976. |
Don't throw away those broken jerkbaits. Freshwater
If you break the lips off any of your hard jerkbaits, don't throw them away. They can be made into some interesting topwater baits. Similar to a lot of walking and twitch type baits.
LBF Member: stevevb
|
| 977. |
Change you hooks! Freshwater
If you change all your hooks on your lipless crankbaits, topwater, and crankbaits, to new Owner or Gamakatsu hooks, you will experience a major reduction in lost fish! These hooks are a little more expensive, but well worth the money. For everyone who lives in areas of the country where the lakes are still frozen, now is the time to do it.
LBF Member: stevevb
|
| 978. |
CATCH, PHOTO, and RELEASE!!!! Freshwater
For myself, personally, seeing a bunch of bass hanging dead on a stringer, does little for me, other than to turn my stomach. You wouldn't eat your bowling ball or golf clubs would you? There are entirely TOO MANY people keeping largemouth bass just to show their friends. Some of the fish aren't even trophies. If you want there to be a future of fishing for your children and theirs, YOU MUST RELEASE THE BASS YOU CATCH. You don't need to keep fish anymore. They make fiberglass reproductions that duplicate the fish exactly. You can take a photo of it/and/or videotape it. It really isn't very sportmans like to show a bunch of dead fish. I used to keep fish, until I knew better. Set an example for your children, and the future of bass fishing. Don't give those people at PETA, anymore ammunition than they already have! CATCH, PHOTO, RELEASE!! PLEASE!! OUR FUTURE DEPENDS ON IT!!
LBF Member: stevevb
|
| 979. |
Spooling new line-tips to prevent trouble Freshwater
When spooling new line on your spinning or baitcasting reel, you should have a towel moistened with water to run the line through as you're putting it on. Have you ever had your line break easily right after it was put on? Friction builds up to such a high degree that the line weakens and easily breaks. If you want to test this, take a 20 pound test line, and try to break it in your hands. It will just start to cut into your skin, but doesn't break. Now take the same line, and run it back and forth a few times quickly between a dry towel or piece of cloth. It will break right off! Always wet the towel good as you apply pressure to the line when it's being spooled.
LBF Member: stevevb
|
| 980. |
End tangled pre tied rigs General Fishing
The best way to keep your pre-tied rigs, from ending up in a tangled mess is to purchase one of those water noodles that kids use for swimming. They are sold at most department stores for about one or two dollars each. Cut it into about 12" long pieces and wrap your rigs around them, each one should hold 10 to 12 rigs easily. The hooks will bury nicely into the foam for safety and then you simply cut a small slit with a razor knife into it where the line ends. You mark where the slit is cut with a black felt pen to help you find it again for the next time you use it.
You can even use different color water noodles for different types of pre-tied rigs, to make finding them on the water even easier.
LBF Member: Fireline123
|
| 981. |
Wet Feet Ice Fishing
Just in case whenever I go ice fishing I always bring along two bathroom size garbage liner bags and a couple of sealing jar gaskets as well as a extra pair of socks.
If for any reason your boots get water inside of them, small leak, step in a hole ( Happens with kids !! ) etc. You dry off your feet put on your dry socks then put each foot into a garbage bag and hold it up with the sealing jar gaskets then put your wet boots back on. Your feet will stay nice and dry now.
LBF Member: Fireline123
|
| 982. |
Less Mess Fishing Scents Bass Fishing
Squirting scents always made a mess when it dripped on the sides of the boat so I got a regular drink holder (like you put in your car) and an empty small size peanut butter jar. The peanut butter jar fits snugly into the drink holder which I fastened to the floor of the boat. Fill it with your scent then when you want to "dip", simply unscrew the top, and dip your bait. When you get ready to make a move just screw the lid back on and it won't spill onto the floor of the boat.
LBF Member: rbtx
|
| 983. |
Senko's, more than one way to fish it Bass Fishing
If you have't tried using a "SENKO" yet, you're really missing out. The process used to make them and inject the salt, makes the lure fall horizontally, really turning on the bass. The proper size hook has to be used though, or it's just another do nothing bait. On a 4" Senko, use a WG2/0 or 3/0 hook, and on the 5" , i use a 3/0 to 5/0 hook. But there is more than one way to use them. rigged on 8 or 10 pound test line, on a good spinning rod, they cast like a bullet, but you can also Carolina rig them, and use them as a drop-shot bait. They can be wacky-rigged also, for a wide variety of presentations. If you haven't tried these lures using these methods, be sure to do so this spring before the water really warms. You will have a distinct advantage if you are versatile with them in the colder water. And as the water warms, they become even deadlier! Try some in black for stained or muddy water, and watermelon or green in clearer water. You can also pitch them, and flip them to docks, pockets in pads, and any way you would use a jig or worm.
LBF Member: stevevb
|
| 984. |
Using the correct rod Freshwater
Using the correct rod for crankbaits is as important as using the correct reel! The rod should be at least 6 1/2 to 7 feet in length, and made of an e-glass or S-glass material, with a soft tip to prevent the bait from being pulled out of the bass's mouth. S-Glass is a better quality than E-Glas. Now, through newer design advancements, ie, material, manufacturing processes, many companies can now make a rod out of a graphite or other material that is more sensitive than the old e or s glass rods. G.Loomis now offers a crankbait rod with the sesitivity of graphite, with the action of a fiberglass rod. Other quality rod manufacturers also offer these rods now. You can even have a rod cutum designed for each type of fishing that you are doing. Specialty rods are important if you want to acheive your highest level of performance. Confidence is the key to success in any sport. If you know you are using the correct rod, with the proper action, of a quality manufacturer, your confidence level increases, and as a result you catch more, and lose less fish.
LBF Member: stevevb
|
| 985. |
Use the correct reel for crankbaits. Bass Fishing
The reel is more than just a device to wind up the line. When using crankbaits this is especially important. The proper reel speed can effect the way the crankbait moves in the water. Not only is it beneficial to your catching more fish, but it lets you crank at your normal speed that is natural to you, without speeding up the lure, or causing unnatural movements of the bait. The lower gear speed on crankbait reels such as a Lews or Quantum, just to mention a few, is geared that way for a reason. It not only makes the fishing easier on you, and allows the crankbait to be presented properly, the lower gearing also adds power. The lower gear ratios have more power, but as a result, don't take the line up too quickly, and allow you to play the fish better. Many crankbait hooked bass get off because of anglers using the improper reel for the task. The rod is also critical, which I'll get more into in a future tip.
LBF Member: stevevb
|
| 986. |
Work the angles Freshwater
This spring, when you are working shallow wood, trees, latdowns, etc.. Make sure you work all the angles possible. Position the boat so that you can cast to the structure from several different angles, making sure that the bait makes contact with the structure as much as possible. this is very important in rivers, and highly pressured areas. The strike won't always come on the first few casts. Work the trees, laydowns, etc, from all angles possible. Mant times the fish will strike after you have already made 20 casts. changing the angle the bait is presented from can make all the difference. Vary the speed and retreive also, each time you cast until a pattern develops.
LBF Member: stevevb
|
| 987. |
When to fish General Fishing
The best days for fishing is when there is a slight overcast. The fish, not having eyelids, obviously don't like alot of sun. So when there is an overcast, it provides good fishing, and the fish will come up a little shallower. When the sun is out and shining, then they tend to move out into the deeper water. This is also why heading out early to fish, before the sun comes up is also effective.
LBF Member: ajgarber83
|
| 988. |
Big Bass in Flordia Ponds Freshwater
When fishing ponds in Flordia, look for something uncommon like a stump in a rock pile. Then make a few casts. I found floating worms hooked in the tip that are twitched, produce the bigger bass.
LBF Member: bassmaster13
|
| 989. |
Algea Free, is the way to be Boating
Now, You want to scrub all the algae off your boat after a day of fishing. This will keep your boats's color and condition in good shape.
LBF Member: Bassmata
|
| 990. |
Handle with Care! Bass Fishing
When handling a large bass for photographing, be careful of its jaw. Don't hang the fish by its full weight and manuver it around while holding its jaw in your thumb and forefinger. Always try to keep one hand under the bass to support its weight. keep your hands wet, so as not to remove it's slime coat, creating a bacteria infection. sometimes it is better to hold the bass for a few minutes by itself in a well aereated livewell treated with chemicals to reduce the shock and help replace the slime coat, and reduce bacteria infections.
LBF Member: stevevb
|
| 991. |
Proper equipment Bass Fishing
Always use the proper equipment for the species you are after, and the conditions you are fishing under. There has been talk recently about light line Bass tournaments. Although this sounds sporting at first glance, it isn't. When bass or any fish, are fought for long periods of time, they build up lactic acid in their system. The lactic acid can kill them. Many recent studies have shown that prolonged fights build up enough lactic acid in the fish to cause a high mortality rate. They may appear fine, but swim away later to die. Holding them out of the water for longer than 60 seconds, is also harmful, it dries out the slime coat, so get them back into the water quickly after the photograph. The weather conditions play a factor in how long they can stay out of the water without harm. There will be more on proper fish handling for photographing and releasing in an upcoming article. The example we set today, will be carried on in the future. Lead by example, so we have a sport to pass on to future generations.
LBF Member: stevevb
|
| 992. |
PFD'S Freshwater
Always use your pfd's on the water. PFD is personal flotation device. We have all been guilty at one time or another of this, but with the pressure from PETA recently, nobody should give them any more ammunition than they already have. Life vests can save your life! always attach it to the kill switch when operating the outboard. Always have enough PFD'S for each person on board, and insist that all children wear one, whether the motor is running or not! New SOS-PENDERS are a little more expensive, but are easier to wear all day, less obtrusive, and are all coast guard approved now. You can even wear a new waist belt type. Catch, Phot, Release. The future of fishing is in your hands!
LBF Member: stevevb
|
| 993. |
Experiment General Fishing
Don't be afraid to try new things. Often times, it is the lure that is different from the rest, that catches the fish. Try to have variety of lures in your tackle. And remember to experiment, see what works, and what doesn't. Maybe even try a new, crazy looking lure, you never know until you put it to the test.
LBF Member: ajgarber83
|
| 994. |
Crainkbaits Freshwater
I recommend crankbaits as a good starting lure to try. Crainkbaits can cover a large area, and can be used in a variety of ways. Try tying on a crankbait when you first hit the water. They are good for locating the fish.
LBF Member: ajgarber83
|
| 995. |
Maggots for Perch Freshwater
When you are using maggots for perch fishing first try soaking them in a little iodine to change the color of them to red, this always seems to work quite well.
LBF Member: Fireline123
|
| 996. |
Ice Fishing For Perch Ice Fishing
When going out for a day of icefishing for perch start by drilling a hole through the ice and using the side view setting on your electronic fish finder. Turn the transducer slowly in the water and look for weeds, keep repeating this process until you find a weed bed. Then drill all the holes you need along the outside edge of them and enjoy your catch.
LBF Member: Fireline123
|
| 997. |
Ice Fishing in SE Iowa Ice Fishing
Though the ice fishing this far south has been a little slow so far this year there is still about 8" or so of ice one the ponds. The best method I have found so far this year is to find bottom and fish about 12-16" off of the bottom with a glow jig and a wax worm. Jig this presentation about every 5-10 minutes. We have been catching some nice sunfish and crappie so far and also a few nice bass.
LBF Member: cutthroat_52551
|
| 998. |
Weight Stopper Bass Fishing
I learned this trick a while back. To stop a bullet weight from sliding to far up your line or to modify the length that you want it to slide up your line just take a spare peice of line. I use this trick just about everytime I fish texas rigged.
LBF Member: sdnbasspro
|
| 999. |
Wacky Rig Bass Fishing
When you wacky rig with the zoom trick worm, it is cheeper to buy a box of finishing nales to stick in the tail end of the worm. It gives the worm a different action.
LBF Member: sdnbasspro
|
| 1000. |
Tube Trick Bass Fishing
This is a good tip/trick that helps put more consistent bass in the boat. Always keep some cotton in a small medicine bottle on the boat but before you pack the bottle put some scent on the cotton the bottle will make them stay moist.
LBF Member: sdnbasspro
|
| 1001. |
Keep Plastics on the Hook General Fishing
If you have a problem with the plastic bodies sliding down the jighead, this tip is for you. Use a lighter to quickly heat the collar of the jighead. While it's still hot, slide the body up. The heat will bond the plastic to the lead.
LBF Member: jighead
|
| 1002. |
Bullhead Fishing Freshwater
When fishing for bullheads. Buy northern minnows 2 days ahead of your planned fishing day. Then when you are at the lake, cut the minnows in half. This will spread scent and you will get more bites.
LBF Member: Leew
|
| 1003. |
Tip up fishing Ice Fishing
When using minnows on a tip up, hook the minnows by the tail. This keeps them alive longer and they move a lot more. This will attract fish.
LBF Member: Leew
|
| 1004. |
Monster Bass Bass Fishing
When bass fishing in a pond it helps to throw a form of tobacco in the water and put snuff in with real worms. It really work when you want to land the big bass!!
LBF Member: bass daddy
|
| 1005. |
Snagging Redhorse (sucker) Freshwater
Here in Wisconsin it is legal to snag rough fish. I have messed with snagging redhorse for quite some time and I have noticed that one particular rig works the best. I tie a 12 " leader on my line. I then put a 3/0 treble hook and a 1/4 oz jighead (the jighead is usually a bright color) on the end of my leader. I throw this rig past the fish and then reel it up and let if fall just on the other side of the fish. When the jighead disappears behind the fish I set the hook and hold on. I would check regulations to see if it is legal to snag before trying this.
LBF Member: Leew
|
| 1006. |
Sucker fishing Freshwater
When I sucker fish, I use only one rig. This rig holds bottom in the wickedest of currents. I tie my hook on my line the usual way. Any way will work, but leave an extra long tag line. About 2 feet. Then tie two over hand nots about half way in between the hook and the end of the tag. Make sure you have both lines connected. Then you take what is left of the tag end and tie a 1/2 oz weight to it. Tip the hook with a whole night crawler. Then cast it out and reel the line tight. When you see your rod tip twitching set the hook cause there is usually a nice size sucker (redhorse) on the other end.
LBF Member: Leew
|
| 1007. |
Draggin bottom for Walleye Freshwater
When I target walleye, I always use a lindy rig bottom bouncer. I almost always catch an eye when I tip this rig with either a smelt, small minnow, or leech.
LBF Member: Leew
|
| 1008. |
Light bite Ice Fishing
When the fish are biting very lightly, use a spring bobber. It is very sensitive and detects the slightest of taps. You can easily tell when you have a fish on.
LBF Member: Leew
|
| 1009. |
Hot Summer Days on the Black River Freshwater
On really hot days i like to use a buzzbait tipped with a 2 inch double tailed mister twister grub. I also use a Jighead tipped with a 2 inch double tailed grub. These two baits on hot days catch just about anything that swims.
LBF Member: Leew
|
| 1010. |
Bass Fishing Red Ceder Lake Bass Fishing
The most productive method to catch large mouth bass on red ceder is to fish the lilly pads. Use either a weedless frog or a weedmaster #3 mepps. There are smallmouths too. The easiest way to catch them is to toss a texas rigged natural color worm out on rock points.
LBF Member: Leew
|
| 1011. |
Fishing Red Ceder Lake Freshwater
In this clear water lake it is best to use lures that are really bright. They don't seem to hit traditional colors.. darker colors. The spinnerbait is the most productive most of the time. But when they don't hit them go to crankbaits such as the Big O or the Bomber. Yellows, oranges, and silvers work best.
LBF Member: Leew
|
| 1012. |
Late Summer Watershed Northerns Freshwater
When fishing the watershed in late summer and they are not taking minnows. Fish the shore line with spinnerbaits. Reel them a couple inches to half foot from the surface. This is almost garenteed to at least get their attention.
LBF Member: Leew
|
| 1013. |
Jiging for Muskie/Northerns Freshwater
When i go fishing for muskie or northerns I always bring a dozen or two of minnows. I use a 12 inch leader tiped with a 2/0 hook and a 4 inch leader. On the 4 inch leader i have a size 4 treble hook. Then I cast it out and constantly jerk it (walk the dog technique) until i get it in. I have real success when fishing structure (weeds, logs, and rocks). This technique is real successful in rivers and i have had some luck on lakes.
LBF Member: Leew
|
| 1014. |
Torpedo Fishing Freshwater
When fishing a torpedo, it is quite helpful if you get your bait really close to shore. When you get it close tap it two or three times then start to reel with a constant speed. When a fish strikes wait till you feel some type of movement aka a fish. Then set the hook. This will greatly improve your hooking ration.
LBF Member: Leew
|
| 1015. |
Ice fishing for Northerns Ice Fishing
It is very useful to use a stinger rig while fishing for northerns through the ice. That way all you have to do is run up to the tipup and set the hook.
LBF Member: Leew
|
| 1016. |
Black river fishing Freshwater
If anyone ever fishes the Black river in mid Wisconsin. While fishing bottom for muskie... it is quite useful to use a stinger rig.. cause these blackriver fish bite light.
LBF Member: Leew
|
| 1017. |
Plastic Worms for Largemouth Bass Bass Fishing
If you are Bass fishing with plastic worms using a texas rig, and are having trouble hooking fish, try this. Rig it "texposed", which means rig it texas, but make it so the hook point barely protrudes. This will help your hooking ratio.
LBF Member: BlueGill33
|
| 1018. |
Clear Water BlueGills Freshwater
When BlueGill fishing in clear water, you may need to go as low as 2 pound test. The reason is Bluegills may be very spooky, and can maybe see 4 pound line. Or, you can use 4 pound test main line with a 2 pound test leader.
LBF Member: BlueGill33
|
| 1019. |
Smooth Drag General Fishing
When purchasing a reel, always go for a good-quality one with a nice smooth drag. If the drag is "sticky", and you hook up with Mr. Lunker, you will probally lose the battle. A smooth drag is very important for species like Carp who make sudden long powerful runs, or for big trophies like Blue Catfish.
LBF Member: BlueGill33
|
| 1020. |
Ice Fishing for Largemouth Bass Ice Fishing
I use tip-ups rigged with a medium shiner when ice fishing for Largemouth. You never know what you will get, but hopefully it will be a nice 4 plus pound bass. When you see the tip-up spool going real fast, it is either a bass or pike. If you set the hook and have nothing but weeds, a bass just robbed you!
LBF Member: BlueGill33
|
| 1021. |
Spoon Fishing for Largemouth Bass Bass Fishing
The spoon, A bass lure? You bet! These babys catch Largemouth when standard lure's don't. I've caught three 4 pounders, two 3 pounders, and five 2 pounders in one day on a spoon! I like red and white ones, but silver works well. Try putting scent on 'em for better results.
LBF Member: BlueGill33
|
| 1022. |
Pickerel Fun General Fishing
Many people think of the pickerel as a trash fish, but it is a very fun fish to go for. They fight hard, bite readily, and go for all the baits bass do. So give them a try, they are a grand fish.
LBF Member: BlueGill33
|
| 1023. |
Spawning BlueGills Saltwater
When the 'Gills are spawning, almost anything will make them bite. Live baits is good, but the aggressive males will usually swallow the whole hook. Small jigs are usually a better choice. Tubes or curlytails work great, and tipping the hook with a berkley crappie nibble triggers more strikes. Make shure to release most large fish.
LBF Member: BlueGill33
|
| 1024. |
Check Your Line General Fishing
Many anglers make the common mistake of leaving their line on for too long. This makes line weaker, and when you hook that big 'un you don't want your weak line to break. Change your spool every couple months. Also, check your first 12 inches of line for nicks, and replace all damages.
LBF Member: BlueGill33
|
| 1025. |
Jiggin' for BlueGills Freshwater
In the summer, when BlueGills are relatively deeper, Try jigging for them off the end of a deep-water dock. I use a #6 or a #8 aberdeen hook with a worm and a split shot. It is an extremely good technique and I catch BlueGills into the heat of summer using it.
LBF Member: BlueGill33
|
| 1026. |
Watch out for Bullheads! Freshwater
If you are out fishing for Bullheads, and manage to catch one, watch out for the 3 spines on the Dorsal fin and the 2 side fins. They are extremely painful. If you do get jabbed, clean the wound with peroxide.
LBF Member: BlueGill33
|
| 1027. |
Jigging for Yellow Perch Ice Fishing
When jigging for yellow perch, use a small ice jig tipped with a minnow head or a few spikes. A small size 8 Ice tick jig is what I use. The color is green/chartreuse. Perch love bright colors.
LBF Member: BlueGill33
|
| 1028. |
BlueGill Floats Freshwater
When BlueGill fishing, most people use a float better suited for a large bass. Use a float that will barely hold your bait for the most sensitivity. Add split shots to make it as sensitive as you want.
LBF Member: BlueGill33
|
| 1029. |
Winter bluegill ?! Fly Fishing
I recently went to my favorite lake just before it froze over with my fly rod. I found that bead head nymphs in colorful patterns work extremely well. If you fish it with a small split shot to get it down farther it works great.
LBF Member: FisherGuy2004
|
| 1030. |
Ice fishing for panfish Freshwater
The absolute best bait for panfish in the colder months is the maggot. If you rig it up on a 1/16 oz. jig it produces well. I've had catches of well over 100 bluegill in less than 2 hours! Go try it!
LBF Member: FisherGuy2004
|
| 1031. |
Fly fishing for steelhead Freshwater
I found one of the absolute best flies for steelhead fishing off the Great Lakes is a simple ball type fly. It looks like a puff ball and imitates spawn sacs. The best colors are tan, orange and I've had luck with black too. Ok hope this helps out.
LBF Member: FisherGuy2004
|
| 1032. |
Pegging a worm weight Bass Fishing
Insert a toothpick into the eye of a bullet worm weight and break it off. This will keep the weight from sliding down the line when fishing in heavy cover. It also gives you a better "feel".
LBF Member: jighead
|
| 1033. |
Save the Rig Freshwater
You never put the sinker on the end of your pickerel rig. You add an elastic on the end so if you get a snag you just lose the sinker and not the full rig.
LBF Member: badboys
|
| 1034. |
panfishing Freshwater
To use a treble hook for panfish try getting the tiny ones since most panfish have small mouths and can't swallow big hooks. To use a hook I would recomend size 6-8 for panfish. The bait is pretty simple just get crawlers or worms and you are set!
LBF Member: hi man
|
| 1035. |
Finding the right stuff Fly Fishing
When you are fly fishing and the fish aren't biting it always pays off to look around and look for insects under rocks, logs, and such near the river. Then try to match a fly to the particular insect.
LBF Member: hi man
|
| 1036. |
Protect Your Wallet Freshwater
How many times have you gone fishing and your wallet gets wet. Either you fall in the water or you drop it in the water. A quick way to avoid this situation is to put your wallet in a waterproof plastic container or a ziploc bag and drop it into your tackle bag. A cheep glad sandwich container is the perfect size for your wallet. Protect it from the water and avoid having to replace everything
LBF Member: dwaynez
|
| 1037. |
Economical Hook Holder Freshwater
There are several products on the market today that hold hooks. Hooks are placed in a plastic sleeve or a cushion of some type. An economical way to protect yourself from loose hooks is to use a piece of styrofoam. Cut a piece of styrofoam to the desired size and embed the barb of the hook and secure them. Protect your fingers, if your in a pinch try this out and save a few bucks.
LBF Member: dwaynez
|
| 1038. |
Brighten a Dull Fishing Day Freshwater
One quick tip to help when the bite is slow is to change the color of your baits. When using soft plastics I always carry a few bottles of highlight lure paint. Tip the tail of a dark grub with yellow,white, or orange to change up the presentation. This works great on days that are gloomy and overcast. I also die my spinnerbait skirts and blades as well. Try out a dye or two and see what happens
LBF Member: dwaynez
|
| 1039. |
Get more Freshwater
Zara Spooks are commonly retreived with the "Walk The Dog" method. Learning this method is fairly simple. Once it has been mastered try this. Most all Zara Spooks have 2 holes in the nose, 1 with the line tie and usually the lower hole. Switch the line tie to the upper hole, and seal the other hole with silicone. You will have to retrieve at a slightly different cadence to make it "Walk The Dog", but the difference is just enough to trigger massive strikes. It also allows you to work the bait under bushes, docks, etc, right into the strike zone much easier.
LBF Member: hookedonfishn
|
| 1040. |
Red Lake Ontario Freshwater
When fishing this lake for trophy northern pike, work the back "cuts" in Speir's bay on the far west side of the Lake. These small inlets and cuts hold large numbers of BIG northern.
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