Types of Power Boats
Sunday, December 14th, 2008Power Boats Information / Boating Articles
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Types of Power Boats / About Power Boating
Power boating is becoming a rapidly growing sport all around the world. While many people think of a power boat as simply a really fast speed boat, the reality is that a power boat is so much more. It is a high performance machine capable of very fast speeds and is usually used in racing competitions.
The sport of power boating requires the use of a highly tuned boat that is capable of high planing or skimming the water. This allows for higher rates of speed and easier handling. That’s why power boats are used in racing competitions.
There are all sorts of power boats that are used in power boating. In fact, there are over fifty-three types of power boats and within each category there are many, many makes and models. Following are some of the more common types of power boats:
Express cruiser
Bow rider
Hovercraft
Power catamaran
Classic or antique replica
Deck boat
Jet Power Boat
Runabout
The type of engine you have on your power boat is a very important consideration. Because these boats are meant to travel at high speeds, you will want an engine that will complement your performance boat. Make sure the horsepower is high enough that you will be able to get as much power out of your boat as possible.
Now many people still do use many types of power boats for recreational activities like skiing and wakeboarding. Just be sure that when you are towing someone behind your boat, you aren’t going too fast that they will lose control and risk injury.
You could really consider power boating as the operation of any craft that derives its power from an engine as opposed to human power. But real power boating and racing boats go hand-in-hand. If you’ve ever seen a power boat race, you know that these machines are finely tuned crafts capable of amazing handling as they skim effortlessly across the water.
When you are captaining a power boat, you need to be fully aware of the capabilities of your craft. Operate the boat safely and keep a good eye on the other boaters around you as well as any natural barriers or aspects of the body of water you are on. It’s very easy to have an accident when piloting a power boat, so take boating safety seriously when at the helm.
Power boating is a great sport that can give even the most experienced boater a thrill. Take up power boating and learn what boating is really supposed to be about!
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How to take a boating vacation
Sunday, December 14th, 2008Vacation Ideas / Boating Articles
Take your next vacation on the water!
Taking a boating vacation is a refreshing way to get away from your hectic life and relax on the water while communing with nature. Boating enthusiasts say that a boating vacation is really the ultimate trip. You have a lot of options for your trip, and the possibilities really are endless.
Most people take a vacation to escape the stresses of everyday life. Some like to go hiking, others choose a tropical beach, and still others like the resort vacations. But a truly great way to find serenity and peace on your next vacation is to take a boating vacation.
The first step in planning your boating vacation is to pick a destination. Have you always wanted to motor boat along the Mississippi River? Think that traveling the Gulf of Mexico would be an ideal getaway? Maybe you’d just be happy on a mountain lake lolling the days away on the water. The choice is up to you, and you have many.
If you already own a boat, you’ll just need to plan out a route to your destination and haul it there. If you don’t have a boat, that’s alright. You can still have a memorable boating vacation with a boat rental. A lot of places where boating is popular have many places where you can rent a house boat, a cabin cruiser, even a speedboat. The rates are usually quite reasonable, and you’ll even get a quick boating lesson from the pros.
You have a lot of choices in activities during your boating vacation. Fishing is always a good choice for the angler in the family. You can seek out some secluded beaches and relax on the sand. Water sports like skiing, wake boarding, and tubing are always popular during boating vacations. Or, you can choose to simply relax on the deck and take in the sights along the way.
Boating vacations are fun for the whole family – even the kids. Remember, that togetherness is what’s important, so when you plan a boating vacation for your family, make sure everyone can agree on the destination as well as the activities you will be doing. Hopefully, there’s something to do that everyone will enjoy, and when you work together, your vacation will be a thrill!
Next time you’re feeling overwhelmed at work, plan a boating vacation. If you’re tired of worrying about all of the details of life, plan a boating vacation. Just sit back and imagine the cool, clear water, the sounds of nature, and the beauty of a sunset from the deck. Then your boating vacation will be as unique and relaxing as you need it to be.
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Boating Safety Tips
Sunday, December 14th, 2008Sports Articles / Boating Safety
Featured Fisherman’s Resource: Largemouth Bass Fishing Tactics Revealed
Be Safe on the Water
A Responsible Boater is a Safe Boater.
The United States Coast Guard says that almost all boating accidents could have been prevented if the captain of the ship had taken a boating safety course prior to getting on the water. Boating safety is tantamount to responsible boating and it shouldn’t be taken lightly.
There’s no way we can cover all aspects of boating safety in this short article. What we can do, however, is to give you some basics to go from in your quest to become a responsible boater. There’s nothing that can replace a good, certified boating safety course taught by a qualified individual, but everyone has to start somewhere!
Always know the safest distance to keep away from other boats. If someone is going slower than you are and you want to pass them, know how to do so safely and with the proper signaling. Boats don’t have turn signals, but you should know how to alert the other boater you will be passing them.
When you are putting your boat in the water, be sure you know how to do this quickly as well as safely. Boating safety has to be present even before you get your vessel on the water. Knowing how to do this the right way can make the difference between friendly and unfriendly boating.
Don’t Drink and Drive a Boat
Leave the captaining to someone else if you are drinking. If alcohol is part of your boating trip, be sure you are very conscious of what alcohol can do to your body when you are operating a fast-moving vehicle on top of a body of water. Alcohol use by the captain should occur in true moderation above everything else. Most of the boating accidents that occur today can be directly attributed to alcohol as a contributing factor. Boating accidents involving alcohol are charged as DUI’s, just as they would be if you were driving a car. These types of offenses are called Boating Under the Influenece. Be smart when it comes to alcohol consumption on the water.
Make sure that all people on board your boat have access to a life vest. Never let a child be in your boat without wearing a life vest at all times. The number one cause of death on the water is due to drowning. That is caused by people falling overboard without a life vest. This is the number one boating safety rule stressed by all instructors.
Boating safety depends on everyone following general rules of etiquette when you are out on the water. While you can’t control what the other boaters do, you sure can control what you do. Always be polite on the water and know that you are doing your part to keep the waters safe.
Like we said previously, every boater should really take a certified boating safety course. Besides making it easier for you to get your boating license, you will be a much better boater after you take a boating safety course.
You may also enjoy our series on bass fishing:
Boating for Leisure Tips
Sunday, December 14th, 2008Sports Articles / Boating for Fun
Do you boat for sport or for fun?
Boating is just a way to get to the fish for some but there are a wide range of other ways to have fun boating. Think outside of the box and explore new ways to have fun on the water.
Of course, boating is fun. But when you have your family and friends along for the ride, the fun becomes massive! If you have a pontoon boat sitting in the yard gathering dust, why not fix it up and throw a party on the water and let those you care about enjoy boating as much as you do. Even if you own a speedboat, your friends and family will have a lot of fun taking turns on board as they enjoy water sports like skiing and tubing.
Part of boating is doing so responsibly. If you are captaining your vessel, avoid drinking alcohol. It can impair your judgment and can cause an accident. As you can imagine, THAT would not make boating fun!
Boating fun is easy to find when you enjoy your time on the water with your family. Keep a positive attitude and teach those around you what you are doing. Point out interesting sites on your trip. Liven the atmosphere with some boating trivia or boating songs. You might be surprised to see how much those around you will enjoy your trip when they see you enjoying it as well.
Part of the fun in boating is enjoying the scenery as you glide across the water. Don’t let that pass you by. Take the time to watch as nature passes you by. Notice the color of the trees, pay attention to any wildlife you might see, find unique sights that you don’t usually see. It might sound a little hokey, but we think you will find that noticing nature is definitely a big part of boating fun.
Water skiing, inner tubing, wake boarding, and fishing are all fun activities you can do while boating. In fact, many boat owners wouldn’t think of owning a boat without having a ski rope or a fishing seat. Find the joy in these activities and fully embrace that joy. See the joy in the faces of those around you as well. That can be amazingly satisfying as you watch other people with smiles on their faces.
Having fun while boating is easy. Boating is an activity that should take you away from the stresses of everyday life. So sit back, relax a little, laugh a lot, and experience fun like you’ve never known – all while boating!
You may also enjoy our series on bass fishing:
Safe Boating Starter Tips
Sunday, December 14th, 2008Sports Articles / Articles about Boating
Safe Boating Starter Tips
When you decide to take up boating as a hobby, there’s nothing better you can do for yourself than taking a boating course to learn everything you need to know about before you get on the water. A good boating course will teach you more than just how to steer a boat, it will teach you everything you need to know about safe and responsible boating.
A good boating course will, of course, begin with a lesson on operating your boat. It should show you all of the major parts of your boat, your boat’s engine, and your trailer. The boating course should take you through how to haul your boat and safe ramping procedures.
Rules of the water are essential in all boating courses. Just like on the roadways, you need to practice safe procedures when you go to pass a slower boat and be able to signal appropriately. You should know how to boat at a safe speed and how to dock as well.
Boating safety is the most important part of an effective boating course. Most boating accidents are caused because captains have not taken a boating course. These boating courses will show you all aspects of boating safety and how to practice this at all times for the good of yourself as well as your passengers and others on the water.
You can find certified boating courses in many places – often nearby. Check with your local marina and ask about what type of boating courses they offer. Their boating professionals will often conduct boating courses at many times throughout the season. It can be the most responsible thing you do as a boater when you take one of these courses.
Many boat dealers will have the “inside track” into boating courses that are offered in your area. They’ll be happy to share this information with you. All you have to do is ask!
Look online for some boating courses that you can do from the comfort of your own home. Most of these boating courses will have you study different modules that have to do with all aspects of boating. At the end of each section, there will usually be a quiz. At the end of the course, you will have to pass a comprehensive exam on all material at which time you will be deemed a certified boat operator.
Taking a boating course will make it easier for you to obtain your boat license. You probably wouldn’t go and take a driver’s license test without studying a little bit first. The same holds true of getting a boating license. Take a boating course, and the test will be a piece of cake!
Boating courses are valuable troves of information that will help make you a better boater. Seek one out and reap the benefits.
You may also enjoy our series on bass fishing:
Catching Smallmouth Bass
Saturday, December 6th, 2008If it’s Smallmouth Bass you want…
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Head thee to Louisiana for Smallmouth Bass
Southwest Louisiana, to be exact. For smallmouth fishing, it’s the best for a lot of reasons. Nearby canals and lakes, both freshwater and salty is one reason smallmouth fishing is so good there. Another is the nearby bayous and canals. All the ready water sources draw both smallmouth bass and largemouth bass that are sizeable, some going as large as 8 pounds.
Smallmouth bass fishing is popular and a favorite of many fishermen all over the U.S. To search out and catch a sizeable smallmouth bass is a real achievement for the true blue American sport fisherman. It is considered to be the America’s number one fresh water sport. Believe it or not, this sport has grown 70% higher than any other fresh water sport in America.
The smallmouth bass is believed to be, pound for pound, one of the hardest fighting freshwater fish. The bass runs acrobatic leaps and does “tail walking” making it one of the most exciting fishes to pursue.
Before you go in search for thet elusive smallmouth bass, you must first know its characteristics or how it looks like. Smallmouth bass are habitually bronze to brownish green in color. It has dark vertical bars on the sides. Unlike the largemouth, the upper jaw of a small mouth does not merely extend beyond rear margin of the eye. The eye of a smallmouth is reddish. It has 13 to 15 rays of soft dorsal fins. Its length would go from 12 to 22 inches. And it normally weighs 8 ounces to 7 pounds.
Here are some guides and tips that can help you bag a smallmouth bass:
• If you fish for smallmouth in the northeast, particularly in Maryland, you will find that small mouth bass do not stick too tight to cover their presence. This is more obvious in some of our the slack water reservoirs. This fish relates much more to a sudden or rapid depth change when they do go for cover.
• Small mouth bass can be caught on a rock ledge that drops off quickly from about six to twelve feet.
• When trapping a smallmouth bass that is about four or five pounds, try to swim along with them maki9ng your presence inconspicuous.
• An effective trap for smallmouth bass are plastic worms or flies.
• They are less aware when they are feeding or think they will be feeding.
• This type of sport fish will be usually found on rocky structures with and without light weed lines.
• The smallmouth has and exceptional sense of sight, smell, and hearing.
• The smallmouth. like most fish, is light-shy.
• Smallmouth bass are schooling fish by nature, so you are likely to catch several bass in the same locations.
• Once you catch one smallmouth, chances are you will have a chance to catch more about the same size in the immediate area.
One of the most effective and most popular methods of tricking or catching a small mouth is to work over the top of these weed beds. Some fishermen prefer jigs, while others choose live bait.
Here’s a list that shows the best top water flies in order to trick small mouth bass:
1. Stonefly Bugger - size 6
2. Franke Hellgrammite - size 4
3. Clouser Minnow - size 6
4. Sneaky Pete - size 4
5. Crayfish - size 8
6. Popper - size 6
7. Zonkers - size 4
8. Bead Head Wooly Bugger- size 6
When is the right time to fish a small mouth?
Smallmouth bass are active in cold waters so, you might catch up with this fish in the early spring. Start searching for them when the water temperature is in the mid-40s. The smallmouth might just be about 20-30 feet deep in the waters, or might be waiting for the temperature to rise a little before emerging higher.
When the temperature begins to reach mid-50s, the smallmouth will start to move on to cooler or deeper holes, change your technique. Or else do not even bother yourself in attempting to search them out. All you will need is something to aid you in searching the bottom. It could be a bait or lure that will catch the attention of small mouth bass. A plastic worm will be a good strategy with this because even the most slow-moving bass will respond when you drag one slowly in its nose. Then when that happens start the battle in search for these small mouths.
But do not forget, you are in search for a completely different fish. They are not just an ordinary fish…. They are SMALLMOUTH BASS!!
More Bass Fishing Articles:
Florida Bass Fishing
Saturday, December 6th, 2008Experience Bass Fishing in Florida and Live the Adventure of a Lifetime
Largemouth Bass, Redfish, Black Crappie and Trout - Florida’s Got em!
The state of Florida is known for its exceptional bass fishing. Its popularity has yielded a million dollar industry for this state. A lot of boats on the market are designed specifically for bass fishing and generates revenues as well for the boat owners.
There are lots of beautiful species found underneath which captivate fishermen as well as tourists out for some snorkeling or swimming. For people who specialize in fishing, it is a dream come true to capture such wonderful species. It is a thrilling experience one can never forget. Good freshwater fishing can be found not only in lakes but also in ponds, creeks and canals.
Largemouth Bass, Redfish, Black Crappie and Trout are some of the fascinating sea creatures targeted by expert fishermen in the many inland lakes of Florida.
Florida Bass Fishing guides are very courteous and friendly. This allows the customer to take full advantage of the knowledge and expertise in the migratory patterns of baitfish and the predatory fish that pursue them throughout the different seasons of the year.
St. John River is the longest river in Florida. Its clear copper-colored waters and floating hyacinth islands are bold and enchanting. The area contains marshy wetlands as well as citrus groves which are irrigated by zigzag canals linking the reservoirs, swamps, lakes, palm trees, flat-water marshes and cypress stands. Large numbers of the best and the biggest trophy black bass are caught in regular basis. Wetland-dependent species thrive here including blue herons, limpkins, pelicans, turkey, alligators, bald eagles, rabbits, wild hogs, tortoise, deer, wood storks, populous and ospreys.
The river itself is great for fishing and catching enormous sizes of fish. In order to fish bass from rivers, it is best to seek out breaks in the current, perhaps from a fallen tree, a stump, or rocks. The fish that bass feed upon will normally school below a dam, thereby making these spots ideal for bass fishing. There are numerous techniques available to pursue the sport of bass fishing.
For a beginner, it is advised to gather more basic tools to get started. Also it is suggested to start with artificial bait until the angler has a better understanding of the unique characteristics of the bass fish. Both amateur and seasoned anglers use Spinner bait.
Ditches and dikes were constructed in the St. John’s River headwaters in order to serve agricultural pursuits. To expose rich soils to grow citrus, row crops, and to raise beef cattle, the marshes were drained. However, channeling the St. John’s headwaters for groves, farms and ranches eliminated hundreds of thousands of acres of marshes, upset the fragile wetlands ecology that was the foraging, nesting and nursery habitat for wildlife, and made the area susceptible to damage from floods from hurricanes.
In the year 1988, the Management District and the US Army Corps of Engineers began a project to restore the drained marshes, construct reservoirs, levees, canals, spillways and water control structures to provide flood protection to the area. The project also created some fantastic trophy bass fisheries. Since then more than 150,000 acres of marshes are being restored and enhanced in the Upper St. John’s River headwaters reclamation project.
The space Coast of Brevard County is considered among many fishermen to be the “Redfish Capital of the world”. It is almost an entirely closed system were in, the Big Bull Redfish do not migrate to the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean, therefore increasing the opportunity to catch the fish of a lifetime. It is not rare to catch Redfish. The brawl of this game fish is both unmistakable and unforgettable. It pulls hard on the drag and can coil your line in a matter of seconds. It is really an amazing experience catching enormous sizes of these sea creatures!
Central Florida also offers visiting anglers the opportunity to catch Trophy Largemouth Bass and Black Crappie from one of its many Inland Lakes.
There are plenty of wonderful and popular lakes in Central Florida such as Lake Toho, Kissimmee Chain, Lake George, Harris Chain, Lake Conway, Butler Chain and the St. Johns River. People all over the world come and visit Florida not just because of its natural beauty but because of its spectacular bass fishing.
Tips for Great Bass Fishing
Saturday, December 6th, 2008The Practical Bass Fishing Tips for a Successful Fishing Experience
Choosing Baits, Choosing Approach and Choosing Location
Many men have found bass fishing quite a relaxing experience. Although Bass fish have been known to be quite a fighter and a struggler the sheer excitement of waiting and finally snagging it releases certain chemicals into the body that provides a euphoric feeling making the experience all worthwhile and satisfying.
Many men and women have come back from a bass fishing expedition feeling light and perky even though they have been outdoors the whole time. The strenuous activity seems to have recharged their bodies.
The popularity Bass fishing has garnered over the years has grown to an all time high with more and more people discovering its joys. Some though are reluctant to start because they have not got a single shred of idea on what to do. Here are some tips to get you started and some secret to act like an experienced bass fish catcher.
About Bass Fishing Baits
Artificial baits have been known to catch quite a few Bass! You can also use baitfish, such as a mullet, with much more visually attractive artificial bait over it or with its backbone removed so that it swims more naturally and with a 2-ounce egg sinker on the hook to keep it just under the waves.
Catching surface fish
The best way to get a surface fish, as in any other fishing, is to be sure you keep your distance. Fishing down the creek would help if the water flow is fairly decent. It doesn’t have to be a lot but enough to keep your bait moving. If there are any bushes, trees, or shrubs around try to hide behind them then cast your line in (fly fishing rods are great for this matter).
But remember, to quietly sneak up to them. Any hole with a lot of fish in a river or creek takes a lot of patience. If they hear or see you, you’ll probably not get any bites. Also look for rocks around the creek. If the soil is moist or damp, lift up the rocks and you may find some native worms. .
For night time bass use a black jitterbug. Replace the hooks with better hooks and if there’s no moon then use some sort of glow in the dark paint on the under side of the lure or they will miss it a lot.
If you have lily pads in a spot or two, then the best advice if it is deep is to run a worm or any soft bait slowly along the bottom right next to the lily pads. You can also buy plastic frogs and mice to skip along the top of the lily pads.
How to find the bass
Water weeds extending about five feet out into the water are a very good source of bass cover. You can run any kind of artificial bait along the edge of them and usually snag one or two. Or you can put a weed less worm right in the middle of the weeds.
Try to look for underwater structures like big rocks and big stumps. They serve as cover for the bass. Try all the kinds of lures that you can. Cast in one area around five times just to see if there is any fish that need teasing.
If you catch a fish DON’T LEAVE THAT SPOT stay there and fish more after you have removed the hook. Fish will follow the fish on your line and try to steal the bait. Especially if it is white bass you can sometimes catch two at a time with crappie and perch that is if you have a double rig.
Worms usually work well during light to heavy over cast skies and spinners usually work better in the morning when the sun is reflecting off the water. When you set the hook, try to keep your line tight and maybe even give it another set. When they jump it is real hard to keep your line tight.
Make sure you aren’t using dull hooks. Also, smaller hooks can penetrate easier, making them harder to throw. In most instances, though, nothing beats an aggressive hook set, and then keeping steady pressure on the fish, especially when they go airborne.
Bass Fishing Lures Info
Saturday, December 6th, 2008Fish Better by Learning About Bass Fishing Lures
Also, check out our fishing collectibles here.
Does the Lure Match The Fish?
Bass fishing has evolved to a near cult popularity with so many anglers through the years that there have been so many products made, clubs formed, and articles written about it. Here you will read about the types of Bass fishing lures you can use to catch them. Also, there is also a list on the necessary equipments to have when going bass fishing.
The type of bass that will bite almost anything is the largemouth bass. Minnows, worms, or other live bait, plus poppers or streamers presented with a fly rod, or plugs thrown from a casting or spinning rod are ways where they can be caught. Since bass is usually associated with weeds, a weedless bait will often be necessary. Morning and evening are the best fishing times when warm months come. They usually like to stay in warm water and warm weather. There is only little bite during winters.
Smallmouth bass pound for pound are the scrappiest fish of all fresh water bass. They are usually associated with a rocky stream or lake environment where its favorite food, the crayfish, is plentiful. The best lake fishing takes place in the month in June and just after, the spawning season, and in early fall. Natural lure like hellgrammites, dragonfly larvae and crayfish are especially useful during early morning or late evening. Most likely, the best artificial lures are those who are used on the surface. Light tackle is ideal. Fish quietly, casting toward rocks or logs, keeping the rod tip up and the line tight. Many fishermen debate on the colors used for their lures. This may vary on the bass fish that is to be caught.
Fishing requires more than just a simple fishing rod and some lure for serious fisherman. People who fish for leisure are those who fish because it’s their hobby, they can have some tools and accessories that will help them make it easier and be able to catch more fish. Here are some suggested tools for starters that will help them improve in catching fish:
• Fishing Rod. The most important piece of equipment and should be chosen with care. A basic rod-and-reel set is enough for beginners. It is necessarily important to have more featured materials. The most important is that you should learn how to use the rod and be comfortable to it before moving into another difficult type of equipment. Professional fisherman can experiment different types of rod for them to know what works best for them.
When buying a fishing rod, know before you enter the store what kind of fishing you’ll be doing, and under what conditions. Rods come from different varieties of materials, from wood laminates to fiberglass to carbon fiber. Rod handles should fit securely in your palm, and practice casting with the rod, to test how flexible and easy to use it is. In addition have the proper length of the rod. For using lighter lure, or catching tiny fish, a 4 inch to 6 inch rod is advisable to use. For using larger lure, which gets larger fishes or casting longer distances, a rod of at least 6 inches may be required.
• Waders. It is a water- resistant covering you wear over your pants to keep them dry so you can wade out into the water. A lot of are made like overalls, covering the chest and the legs, and with boots attached, for ultimate defense. Make sure the boots are warm and secure, to supply better balance while walking on wet rocks.
• Fishing Vest. Contains several pockets for storing fish equipments and your hands are free to manage the fishing rod. Also, should you have to wade out into the water, wearing a vest will let you to have all of your gear with you at all times. Make a decision beforehand which gear is necessary; if you store too much in the vest, it may make it too heavy to wear, which could bring you down.
• Tackle Box or Fly Box. In fishing it requires a lot of supplies and you need a something big to store all your gears. Spend in a durable tackle box, in which you can store your entire lure, keeping it easily to get to. Styles are classified into simple and inexpensive, and large and costly. Fishermen may only need something small, but the more advanced fishermen may want something handier. Furthermore, you should consider a fly box. Small enough to fit a vest pocket and allows you to keep them with you as needed.
How to Catch Bass
Saturday, December 6th, 2008Learn some Basic Guides on Bass Fishing
Featured Fishing Resource: Top Secret Techniques Of The Professional Bass Fishing Circuit Exposed
Be a Better Bass Fisher
As you spend more and more hours and days on bass fishing, you will acquire lots of knowledge about the right lure and technique for the proper way to do this sport. The best advice most experienced and seasoned bass fishermen, is to examine the fishing conditions, ask for tips from anglers familiar with the waters you are fishing in, and finally, try many different lures and bass-fishing techniques until you discover what works most effectively to the situation, and which one you are most comfortable with.Here are some Guides to Bass Fishing to become a better Bass Fisher. And if you are looking for boatlane navigation systems for ease of finding the fish, then check out The Boatlanes Navigation Systems for Bass Fishing
The Bass Fishing Technique:
The bait must fall to the preferred depth, then you have to shake the rod tip. By this, you’ll be getting the fishes attention. Do this for at least 30 seconds, then shaking again for about 2 or 3 seconds intervals, stop and pull slowly about six inches. Then dropping again, slowly back and down and repeating the process. The first thing to remember if they’re not biting is to slow down.
Tips:
• During Springtime, fish uphill (position the boat in shallow water and cast to deep water) and use a 1/8 ounce weight.
• Fish downhill in Fall.
• Try to use a Texas rigged worm to prevent hang-ups.
• Fish out the worm and keep suspended 90% of the time.
• Always try to sharpen the hooks to make sure you have maximized your hookup percentage.
• When doodling, it is critical to keep your presentation natural by downsizing your hooks to 1/0 or lower, and paying delicate, attention to how straight your bait is in order to maintain a natural presentation.
• Crystal clear waters can be tough. The secret to fishing weenie worms is to keep slack on your line and “shake” the bait instead of dragging. The shaking of the rod and your light line gives your worm, grub or reaper an amazing action.
When to Go Bass Fishing:
When the bass quit hitting during the daytime and when it becomes uncomfortably hot on the lake are good signals that it’s time to start night fishing. Night fishing is usually practiced when the water is in the mid-60s or warmer.
Places to Fish:
Where to fish at night is a question commonly asked by bass fishermen. Bass don’t move great distances in most situations. Smallmouth bass, especially, are proven stay-at-homes. As the summer wears on, the bass tend to move deeper and won’t come up shallow, even at night in many lakes. Night fishing is productive when the bass are within the 20-foot zone
Tips and Guides
• Position yourself only as far away as water clarity dictates; stay close enough for consistent accuracy.
• Try to make the lure land on the water with as little noise as possible. Cast past the target when possible.
• In windy weather, put tension on the line just before the lure touches down. This will straighten out the line and prevent it from blowing across obstructions.
• Learn casting techniques that permit a low trajectory, such as flipping, pitching, sidearm casting and underhand casting.
• Use a quality rod and reel matched to the weight of the lure. Rods with a stiff blank but relatively fast (limber) tip are easier to cast than extremely stiff or uniformly limber rods.
• Cast with the wrist, not the arm and shoulder.
• Lower the lure a few inches below the rod tip before casting; this gives extra momentum for the cast.
• Be sure to “load” the rod tip, causing it to bend backward, on the back-cast, then whip the rod forward smoothly.
• Fill the spool of any type reel to within 1/8 inch of the lip of the spool. DO NOT OVERFILL!
The Flip-Cast; use your wrist, NOT your arm.
• Concentrate on the spot you want to hit, not on what you want to miss.
• Use plenty of scent when trying to penetrate thick cover - it acts as a lubricant.
• Stick to basic jig colors (black/blue, brown/brown, black/chartreuse).
• Use a plastic worm with a glass bead between the worm and the weight for inactive fish.
• If you think it’s a strike, reel down until your rod is in a hookset position before you check.
• A strike is anything different (something you wouldn’t feel in a bathtub!).
• Tighten your drag all the way down for better hooksets.
• Use 17 to 25 pound test line for bait casting gear, 10 to 14 pound test on spinning (for flipping finesse baits).
In order to establish a pattern it is essential you understand how a bass lives in its environment. Knowing where the bass can be found at any given time or place is something you must develop. Always go fishing with a plan in mind.
Remember that every fish you catch can reveal clues on how to catch another. After establishing a pattern, realize that when the action slows down in the area you were fishing, you can then search for more areas that would fill the same criteria.
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