Fly Fishing Rods – Getting The Bends

by Nomadrick Chapo

Picking a fly fishing rod is a tricky endeavor. Do you go with your ego, expected fishing environment or something else? While length is a factor, the bend or action of the rod is a key factor.

Flexibility

Fly fishing rods are often defined by their flexibility. In laymen’s terms, flexibility means how far the rods will bend when the same casting effort is used.

Minimal Bend

A fly fishing rod that has minimum bend is often called a “fast” rod. The lack of bend lets the angler get lots of speed on the cast. This speed allows you to cast very accurately and farther away than rods with more bends. While these benefits may sound great at first glance, a fast rod can be frustrating. There is no room for error when using the rod. If you are going to use one of these rods, you need excellent motion and timing. Generally, only anglers with a lot of experience should have a go at using fast rods.

Moderate Bend

The next step down from a fast rod is one with medium flexibility. These rods tend to have good flexibility, but the bend is restricted to the top half of the rod. The rod requires less perfection of motion and timing, but is fairly accurate. If you’ve been angling for a while and have the basic techniques down, a moderately flexible rod is worth a try.

Slinky Bend

If you are just taking up fly fishing, you should use a rod with maximum flexibility. While others suggest a moderate bend is better for beginners, a “slinky bend” rod gives you a lot of leeway when it comes to learning to cast.

Fly fishing is relaxing and enjoyable. Pick the wrong rod, however, and it can quickly become frustrating and stressful. If you use your brain, not your ego, when picking a rod, you will have a blast.

About the Author:
Rick Chapo is with http://www.nomadjournals.com - makers of writing journals for fly fishing. Visit http://www.nomadjournaltrips.com/ to read articles and stories on fly fishing.

Alaska Trout Fishing

by Ken Austin

For those of you that don't know, Alaska trout fishing is one of the most beautiful, most unbelievable experiences in this world. Not only are the trout big and beautiful, but the area around the fisherman is enough to make the trip perfect. The most common trout fishing done in Alaska is for rainbow trout. But, there are many more types of trout and even some gorgeous salmon that you can catch.

Alaska trout fishing is a journey, not an adventure into some of the most beautiful lakes, streams and rivers imaginable. The rainbow trout you find are simply breathtaking. Many people choose to kayak through the area. Fly fishing is also popular. But, make sure that you use a quality, heavy strength line and rod because these fish will put up a strong fight! They average a weight of 8 - 10 pounds in Alaskan waters.

For those who are considering Alaska trout fishing, they will be happy to know that there are many locations that you can visit. No matter where you are coming from or your skill level, you will be amazed at what Alaska trout fishing has to offer the individual. In fact, there are many fishing trips you can take. Rainbow trout being native to the area, there is no short supply of quality fish to be had. Take a guided tour to find the best trout fishing. Also, the trips can provide you with knowledge of what type of lures, flies, and other equipment work the best in Alaska trout fishing. There are several lodging areas and tourist facilities to help you find the best locations and all the hiding spots.

Alaska trout fishing is a great way to spend your time. If you are lucky enough to make this trip, make sure you enjoy all of the beauty and fish that are available there. No matter if you are an avid fisherman or a beginner, you will see that Alaska trout fishing is all about the beautiful fish and the quality of spending the day out on the lake, river, or stream.

About the Author:Ken Austin is the webmaster at http://www.guidetofishing.com and http://trout-fishing.gdrmarketing.com

Magnetic Fishing Bait Chum -- For Hauling Carp And Catfish

by Tim F. Richardson

Many fishermen swear by chum or ‘ground baits’ that really stink! But what makes them really work so well?

They may have their own secret family recipe, or just buy it ready-made. Either way, they work! The question possibly to ask is, why? And what are ideal ingredients for such baits?

Well surprisingly, perhaps the answer lies in the way some ‘pest control’ traps work!

In gardens, slugs are a problem eating plants and doing damage to vegetables. One proven method is to gather them up in a jar full of beer!

Where flies are a problem, ingredients are fermented in a jar and the flies drown in the jar. Have you ever asked why wasps and flies get to be a problem when you go out for a picnic and they descend onto the snacks warming up in the sun?

Food ‘signals’ are being spread through the air in forms like alcohols, sugars and amino acids. These are easily ‘picked-up’ by the sensitive detectors in these wasps and flies. The same happens with your chum baits in water.

Therefore it makes sense to exploit this effect to the maximum to pull the fish as powerfully and effectively as possible. How much carp food, like fermenting debris on the lake bed, or rotting fish carcasses, in the case of catfish, do they feed on naturally each and every day!?

With catfish it may be you want to use fermenting fish, squid, chicken or congealed blood and liver as chum. With carp it may be sweetcorn, hempseed, maize, or proprietary bird food and pigeon food seed mixtures. These often work best when left soaked to germinate, cooked and left to ferment. The key is the ‘bio-activity’ in these ground baits and chum.

When they start to give off powerful smells it is often the sugars, amino acids and alcohols produced by fermentation processes in the bait. Especially in the fish, squid blood and liver, chicken etc, it is the bacteria working digesting the food and breaking it down releasing amino acids.

These are great carp and catfish attractors and human attractors too! If you have ever left squid in your car a few days by mistake, you will have experienced the true power of the above described effect!

When you consider different ways of ‘harnessing’ this effect in your chum or ground baits or even hook baits, you will find your bait’s ‘pulling power’ is multiplied massively! Your bait dips, glugs and soaks will never smell the same again! So why not give it a go; the fish will love it!
Every single one can have a huge impact on catches. (Warning: This article is protected by copyright, but reprints with a link are OK.)

By Tim Richardson. ‘The thinking angler’s fishing author and expert bait making guru.’

About the Author:
Tim Richardson is a carp and catfish bait making expert. SEE his acclaimed bait-making secrets ebook / book: "BIG CARP BAIT SECRETS!" http://www.baitbigfish.com * (Even used by members of the ‘world elite’ "British Carp Study Group" for expert reference.) Expert bait making secrets!

Fall Bass Fishing: Enjoying The Fall Outdoors

by Jack Mitchell

The great outdoors, its natural splendor beckons mans natural instincts. As men have grown accustomed to living in high rises and suburban haven, they could not still shrug off the call of the wilds.

Man has started off as natural hunters even with the convenience of department stores and groceries, there is still nothing quite like the natural high of catching your own food. From necessity, fishing has evolved into a sport, now hordes of fishermen are now sportsmen because of these and bass fishing is one of the greatest challenges this sport offers.

Just try to look at its development and you will really see the diversity. Before, fish is only considered as part of our everyday needs, but as time goes by it was later transformed into this kind of sports which the people particularly the anglers are getting fond of.

The satisfaction that they find in bass fishing cannot be compared to any other hobby. Be it young or old, many are becoming quite fond of it. Although there are a lot of things to be considered once you get yourself into Bass Fishing but still they disregard all of these.

The allure of bass fishing is never seasonal and the call of the waters never ceases. Be it not for the coldness of winter, bass fishermen would not be held back from getting into their boats lugging their gears. It is too much of a passion for those who truly understands the essence of having to catch the bass.

Moreover, the game of bass fishing does not choose any age. Once you are hooked to it, you will certainly find the pleasure of bringing home the trophy fish. Sometimes, anglers even tend to disregard the weather condition because of their urge to catch bass fish.

Bass Fishing has become a competition to other anglers because at times they are fond of recording the biggest fish that have been caught and it precisely gives not only fulfillment but as well as honor on the part of the individual that was able to catch it.

The bass fish is a trophy fish because of its ability to give a good fight when it is caught. Its capability to grow into big sizes makes it a good wall mount without the need to wander off to the deep blue sea. Bass fishes are mostly fresh water fishes and this doesn’t require expensive boat rentals as well horrendously pocket burning fees and gears.

And since it is fresh water, you can do bass fishing even in fall!

Trying to look at the tips on how to succeed in the game of bass fishing, there is a very important thing that must be consider there. That deals on the weather condition. It is a must to consider that aspect in bass fishing. But of course, you should leave the water when a storm came or when there is lightning that comes into the area.

It is an advice for you to start to fish early in the morning or in the evening because bass is active on cooler temperature. You are surely to catch bigger trophy fish if you will have the bass fishing on the right time.

Fall bass fishing is particularly good because during this season, there is a lower temperature and the colder the time is the higher the chance for you to grab on the bass fish.

Northern California for instance, has always been known for its abundance of the bass fish. This usually happened during the Fall Salmon Run in the Sacramento River, but oftentimes, this Season looks absolutely phenomenal, and may not be seen again for many years to come. That is why people who are involved in fall bass fishing always grab the chance whenever this season comes because this only comes once a year.

Fall Bass Fishing is like a delicacy, it is VERY special for those who have a taste for it. Like age, it does not need to consider the best seasons for going into bass fishing. This is important nonetheless if you want to drive your goal of winning the game and catching the biggest bass fish for you to track the record of the biggest bass fish caught.

About the Author:
For a free course on bass fishing, download our bass fishing report at http://www.bassfishingsystem.com/ today

How To Choose The Best Bass Fishing Boat And Lures

by Carol Stack

Bass Fishing Boats and Lures

Bass fishing is extremely popular, and for good reason. Bass are a combination of intelligence and figh. They require the fisherman (or woman) to use cunning and skill before ending up in a frying pan.

To make the most of your bass fishing experience there are some things that will greatly help, such as a good rod and reel, a good boat and good lures. Here we are going to talk about a bass fishing boat and the right lures.

Some of the best boats include those made by the Ranger, Triton, and Skeeter. You can find any of these boats by searching online.

The boats made by each of these companies includes everything the experienced fisherman desires. Made by fishermen for fishermen, the bass boats produced by Ranger, Triton and Skeeter are top of the line.

But it takes more than a great boat to catch bass. Having the right lures can help. If you have already investigated bass fishing lures you will probably have found that there are an enormous number of different types.

There are many different bass fishing lures available but the most popular are the following four:

Crank Baits – These are used as either top water or sinking lures. Their main purpose is to look like an injured or weak fish. They get their name from the cranking noise which is designed to attract bass. Since these lures are supposed to imitate weak or injured fish, if you use them be sure to reel them slowly so their cover isn’t blown.

Poppers – These are similar to crank baits except that poppers are exclusively top water lures. Another difference is that instead of making a cranking noise they make a popping sound as they move across the water.

Poppers are designed to be used during hot summer months when the bass are attracted to the top water by the stimulation provided by the poppers. Just like crank baits, poppers should be reeled in slowly.

Spinner Baits – These are strange looking lures. The strange appearance is caused by an oversized metal spinning attachment connected to them. The purpose of the spinner bait is to attract a fish through antagonism as opposed to hunger. They can be used all year with good results, but are especially useful during the spawning season when the bass tend to lose their appetite.

Rubber Worms – This lure should be very popular for those people who do not like dealing with live, wriggling worms. Since rubber worms do just as well as real worms, why bother with the mess of using real worms? The rubber version utilizes a lead head to add weight for casting. Usually the bass will go after the rubber worm as it descends to the lake bottom. If the worm hits the bottom of the lake, reel it in towards the surface and let it drop all over again..

Again, as already stated there are many more bass fishing lures available than the four described here. So when shopping for bass fishing lures keep this in mind: These four are the most popular because they work.

About the Author
Discover many more fishing tips and tips at OutdoorPasttimes.com

Landing That Ideal Fishing Vacation

Planning a fishing vacation, whether to one of your local lakes for a day or two or off to Brazil for a 15 day exotic excursion, can be a trying experience. How do you narrow down the choices to find the fishing destination that is right for you? After all, "fishing is not a matter of life and death, it is much more important than that."

The easiest method of selecting a fishing destination is to begin by identifying your priorities. Do you want to fish Saltwater (surf, deep sea, reef) or Freshwater (lake, stream, river, etc.)? Are you going by yourself, or is this to be a group adventure?

If you are going as part of a group, it would be a good idea to sit down with everyone else who is going and discuss exactly what it is that each person wants out of the trip. It is not enough to simply decide you want great fishing, because that can mean very different things to different people.
Does great fishing mean catching a fish on nearly every cast, or catching only one fish all day--provided that one fish was trophy size? And what constitutes a "giant" fish to you? Would a 30-pound chinook salmon make you happy, or would it have to be a 50-pounder?

What fish species are you interested in trying to catch? Although this sounds like an overly simplistic question, it definitely needs to be discussed if this is to be a successful group outing. Do you want to catch lake trout, walleye, northern pike, bass, salmon? If members of the group have different ideas, you should pick a location that has multiple species available.

What is your preferred method of fishing? (trolling, spin/bait casting, light tackle, fly fishing, etc.) Do you want to fish from shore, from a drift boat, canoe or raft, or wear full length waders and wade the currents and riffles?

Your level of fishing experience is also a determining consideration. Choosing the right guide to help with equipment choices and techniques is critical. The more experience you have, obviously the less advice and help you will need.

Other considerations include, will any non-fishing companions be joining you, and is this strictly a fishing trip or will other leisure or even business activities be involved?

A final consideration--what is your realistic budget? Let's face it, money is a deciding factor for most of us. You need to be honest about how much you are prepared to spend--and how to spend it. If you have $2,000 to spend on a trip, do you want 3 days at Lodge X with all of the comforts of home, or 8 days in a tent camp where you cook your own meals, but have a better shot at catching trophy fish?

Finally, check to make certain that all of your equipment--particularly your rod and reel is in safe, working order. You might end up a long way from the nearest tackle shop. Check your line carefully, and restock that tackle box, especially hooks, flies, sinkers and lures depending on the species of fish you are after and the conditions you expect to encounter.

Best wishes for a great trip, whether it be rainbow trout in Montana or giant sea bass in Chile, you've prepared for the ultimate fishing journey!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Larry Denton is a retired teacher having taught 33 years at Hobson High in Montana. He is currently V.P. of Elfin Enterprises, Inc., a business providing information on a variety of topics. For a canoe full of advice and resources about fishing, visit http://www.FishingFolks.com or http://www.fishingfest.com/

Ice Fishing Tips For Beginners (II)

P.S. A couple of other things ... remember to take a light lunch with you, just in case they decide not to bite or your fishing technique is off for the day. I can remember a few times when we had to have "fish lip soup", it wasn't very filling and of course your fishing license other wise your outing could cost you dearly.

Well, seeing as you have made it this far. I guess an obvious question would be "When is the best time to go ice Fishing ?" Everyone I know wants to get out there as soon as possible. It is probably because the fishing seems to be a little better or more likely they just want to be the first one to haul one out of the hole. It is true that the fish are relaxed and in the best feeding spots because they haven't been hassled for several months. Trout in particular spawn in the fall and can be found in deep water at this time. You can find them on bars, shoals, rocks and fingers. Perch, pike and walleye tend to look for shallow , weedy lakes because the oxygen level tends to be a lot higher.

Once the little villages spring up and the anglers take their toll the catches tend to decrease but don't despair they are still out there. You just have to work a little harder.

So you need a few pointers because your just not catching your limit.

Well what is it that you do in the summer time, whether you are fishing from shore or boat if your not getting the bites ?... You move. I do it all the time, it's not hard if you've got your own sled and make sure you've got a power auger, you'll need it. In order to be mobile you really need to be prepared. This includes a portable shelter, flotation suit, auger, sled or 4x4, fish finder and GPS. Give yourself about 10 to 20 minutes per hole. That's enough time to find your depth, scratch the bottom for debris, rocks, sand, etc., set up your fish finder and locate fish and at what depth. It also allows you to try your technique to see if they are interested. If you happen to have the hydrographic map of the lake or fished it before it helps. Try making calculated moves, such as holes, shoals, weedbeds.

If you can afford it, get yourself several rods and rig them up with different presentations. Not only do you become a quick change artist but it saves tying on different lures when the weather isn't friendly.

Jigging is really an art form. Not to fast and not to slow, kind of a rhythm thing. Keep in mind it is okay to jig hard at first, you want to attract them, get them interested. Once you've done that slow down to a twitch by using only your wrist or trolling from one side of the hole to the other. Alternatively you can raise the rod tip a few inches and lower. Stir up the bottom a little.
Make sure your rod is short, stiff and with big eyelets. It's hard to fish in a hut that's only 4 x 6 with a 3' rod. You only get one chance to set the hook, so if it moves you don't want the rod to bend. Having your line get frozen because of clogged eyelets just isn't any fun.

PAY ATTENTION! No, I'm not trying to wake you up from your daydream but feeling a hit is not the only way to get fish out of the hole. If you see the slightest movement, either side to side or up or down, set your hook! Remember, if your sending your lure down and it stops and your not where your suppose to be, you probably have one on the line.

Now, if you want to get them up the hole your going to need to hook 'em, so keep your hooks sharp. The easiest way to test is when you push the point thru the minnow, if the point doesn't go in easily either sharpen it or replace it. Speaking of hooks, size is important. The smaller the bait the smaller the hook. Also, If your using a large hook on a small bait you restrict it's movements and could possible even spook your game.

Timing the hook set is crucial when using minnowbait. It is well known that most fish attack from the side, so don't try to set the hook at the first sign of movement or tug. Allow the fish time to swallow the minnow. Okay, so you lost your patience, had him and lost him. Don't be in a hurry to change your bait, put the line back down the hole. Remember, he just lost supper and if he's hungry he'll be back. Wait a couple of minutes and if you don't get a response your welcome to change your bait.OK, one final tip, take a friend with you. You'll want to share the experience but you can save a lot of weight and space by not doubling up on your gear and sharing.Need More? Read Ice Fishing Tips for More than Novices

About the Author
Iain Loveman is a outdoor enthusiast who enjoys fishing, boating, camping and rving. Visit Not Just Fishing for everything from fish finders to ice hut rentals.

Ice Fishing Tips For Beginners (I)

by Iain Loveman

Did you hear the one about the guy who went ice fishing and came back with 50 lbs.. of ice?

Well, if you found yourself here your at least one step ahead of this fella, that is unless you intended to bring home some ice. Ice fishing is actually a very simple sport but must be practiced with some caution.

WHAT you say?

Seriously before you set out to catch any fish on "hard" water there a couple of things you should be concerned about. Firstly, make sure you are equipped with the proper attire. Setting out from home on a nice sunny day is fine but once you approach your destination things may have drastically changed or may change without notice.This would also be a good time to check the weather channel or newspaper for the up to date weather forecast.

Secondly, remember to check the ice conditions wherever you go, there are local ice hut operators or locals who are willing to help make your trip safe.

A friend of mine told me once, "You can always take it off, but its pretty hard to put it on if you haven't got it!" My advice, purchase a good flotation suit. They are warm and if you happen to break thru the ice it will probably save your life.

A warm dry set of gloves, preferably without fingers is a must. This way all the fingers share the warmth. A full face belaclava is also required as well as sunglasses. Scarfs can help but be cautionary of the vehicle you are using to get you out to your favorite spot. You don't want to have it get tangled up in a chain or track. Several layers of clothes are a benefit for when you have the luxury of taking them off. Another good idea is to have a fishing buddy. They are not only there to enjoy the day with you and help make the fishing story a real tale but if an emergency arises they are the only support you've got.

We still have a few small things to do before setting out. Make sure your transportation is trustworthy, a general maintenance check will do, tell someone where your going and how long you expect to be gone and last but not least, a simple thing like a compass, so you don't get lost.
Okay, are we having fun yet. Now that we have got all the scary stuff done, its time to leave, right .... WRONG !You forgot the gear.

A general rule of thumb regarding gear is to choose the equipment you will need to match the fish you are seeking(e.g. the larger the fish, the heavier the tackle).

Of course you won't be able to get to them if you don't have a hole. So depending on the ice and your wallet or both, you are going to need an ice spud or hand\gas auger. You can purchase both but if you just happen to have a friend that welds you can get him to make the spud up for you out of a 6' x 2" piece of flat steel and round bar. Don't forget to weld a "T" on the top and grind the flat bar down to a chisel point.If you are in good shape and have the time the hand auger is great but if you intend to fish several spots and don't want to tire yourself out making holes get a gas auger. Look for an auger with at least a 6" cut just so you can get the big ones thru the hole.

Next, you'll need an ice skimmer. I suggest the aluminum one because if you are in a hut with a stove just warm it up a little and touch it to the hole and voila ... instant skim! Also, tie a light chain or rope on it just in case it falls down the hole.

Well, your almost there. You can't catch anything without some type of jigging rod. They come in all types, sizes and styles but look for one with which you will be comfortable with. This may take a few outings to discover, so see if you have a buddy who will lend you his or hers. Another general rule of thumb, a light rod for perch and panfish using 2 to 4 lb. test, medium action for trout, walleye, whitefish, etc. and 6 to 10 lb. test. The preferred reel is a micro-spinning reel.

If you are energetic an have a second hole you can also use a tip-up. They range in price from several dollars to around twenty-five bucks. Well, this should get you started. The rest you can learn from patience and experience. Good Luck and Good Fishing!

Fishing from a motor boat or rowboat is an exciting activity

by Robert W. Benjamin

Fishing from a motor boat or row boat, can be very fun and rewarding. Boat fishing is an exciting activity that sometimes requires an adventurer spirit in order to get the best catch. Ranging from the stability of sliding-seats rowboats, to the powerful motor board, fishing on ponds, rivers and lakes can become an unforgettable experience.

Because lakes are fed by creeks, rivers, and springs, it depends on the water stream when selecting between a rowboat and a motor boat. Ponds are best for rowing, because most of them are the result of rain runoff or modest springs, without the irregular shorelines of lakes that require more boating skills. Some ponds are fed by small streams, allowing the best catch and the pleasure of traditional fishing. Motor boats are more appreciated in lakes but particularly in rivers, although the selection is more often oriented to accessibility to certain areas when seeking the best catch. People who live near a body of water can enjoy practicing shore fishing, but most people fish from lakes and ponds, often requiring a boat.

Boat rentals are available in many national parks and other recreational fishing locations, including canoes, kayaks, motor boats and rowboats designed to be powered by oars. In fact, traditional boats had the oarlocks mounted on the gunwales, recalling rowing boats of ancient times; particularly those used during wars and known as galleys, often powered by slave paddlers. Actually, rowboats with gunwale-mounted oarlocks can be found, but they tend to be wide to get enough spread between the oarlocks using long oars. Another type of boats is called shells, usually with motors or pedals but also rowing can be the only propulsion. Shells often have sliding seats, to add leg power to the stroke.

When selecting a boat, one of the most important factors is the size, not too large or too small, at the point to limit the owner. If fishing is a quiet activity, the size of the catch may require space to move, including the gear needed during the activity, but you do not want too much space. If you are unsure of the size of the boat, the rental services can help you out.

At the rental you will be asked what you need the boat for and how many people will be aboard, and if you are going to get help from them, to determine if you will need a rowboat or a motor boat. Depending on how old, big and strong you are, in addition to the water you have chosen, the choice of the right boat can be different of your original expectations, when you are new to fishing.

There is a website that describes boat fishing, ice fishing, and has info on numerous freshwater fish, baits, and lures, plus other great freshwater fishing tips. The website is called: Fishing Stringer, and may be found at this address: http://www.fishingstringer.com/

By Robert W. BenjaminCopyright © 2006 You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Robert W. Benjamin has been in the software business on the internet for over 5 years, and has been producing low-cost software for the past 25+ years. He first released software on the AMIGA and C64 computer systems in the late 1970's-80's.RB59 Software
http://www.rb59.com/software

Fishing carp (II)

It may sound simplistic, but for example, yeast extract contains lots of attractive salts with those used in its production, enzymes, such as trypsin (the protein digesting enzyme,) soluble proteins, amino acids, peptides, minerals, trace elements, vitamins like B6 and B12, carnitine, chitin, yeast extract is also a major source of the infamous food enhancer monosodium glutamate for the food industry. It is also water-attracting being hygroscopic (like honey and malt extract and peptones interestingly,) and is highly soluble a digestible. Peanut butter has much going for it too including sugar, salt, high fat content, tasty oils and great palatability and even its own highly fish attractive enzymes. There are very good reasons why even the 'simplest' kitchen ingredient works.


The attractiveness of peanuts and peanut products is so well known, but fewer fishermen realise that crushed peanuts make great ground bait and cook-up well absorbing all kinds of added attractors like sugars, salts, flavours, spices, essential oils, colours and so on. Peanut oil is another great attractor too, while de-fatted roasted peanut meals can have a protein content above that of many fishmeals and are very well consistently proven fish catchers.


Getting back to your easy simple bait, a generous amount of molasses or brown sugar will really help. Many fishes love sweet smells and tastes and a quick energy 'hit' from the sugars is appreciated too. In fact 'polysaccharides' play a big part in wild fishes natural diet and are derived from ingesting mussels and shrimps and other shelled organisms.


It's a good idea to add a bit of protein to your simple flours baits. Fish can are very drawn to attractive proteins, amino acids, polypeptides and this has been consistently proven with catfish and carp etc. In fact, often the baits meant for carp or catfish end up catching other big specimens of other species including bass, big pike and tench, pickerels, eels and so on. Adding liver powder or mashed-up tinned fish, ground trout pellet powder, or any of a range of fish meals and meat meals, shellfish meals and milk powders will all make a big difference to your simple bait's effectiveness. You can even add ground-up sinking pond pellets if you want to really ensure your fish get a guaranteed 'balanced meal' if you're so inclined.


You could mix in large amounts of flaked cold-water fish food which is a very effective edge in making a very 'alternative' bait. These are high in things like spirulina, carotenes, complex sugars and daphnia. (All good stuff.) Incorporating casein and whey protein body-building powders into your simple flour or pastry mix really is an edge adding much recommended 'free amino acids' among a huge list of other beneficial attractors.


Many fishermen feel they need a boost of extra confidence by adding a flavour to their bait. While there are a handful of 'giants' than really shine through in the world of fishing flavours, just a few drops of butyric acid will do the trick. Even adding fresh juice from red or blue fruits like strawberry, mulberry, blueberry, acai berry etc adds great flavour and very powerful fish attracting acids, enzymes, flavours, sugars etc.


Even adding flavours at levels we cannot detect ourselves will work. E.g. half a teaspoonful per kilogram of bait. It is also a fact that many baits have proven to work without any added flavours at all. The best flavours are probably better called 'fish detection tools' or even 'fish mood and activity changers.' This is a far cry from the simple cake flavours many beginners start off using. The proven catches difference between using a simple alcohol based vanilla flavour compared to a fishing bait proprietary brand flavour proven for decades like 'Scopex' or 'Tutti Fruitti' or 'Monster crab' is gigantic.


Experiment kneading the mixture together into a dough. Until you have a practical bait and put into marked and dated bags, but many of these baits can quickly be made on the bank or boat which is really useful. Baits can be round shapes, square, triangles, pellets or just random shapes. You can use these baits fresh or store them temporarily in the fridge or freeze them. By noting what ingredients you add and the amounts used you will be able to make any bait in the future and associate with it any interesting results apart from personal best captures. Just putting bait into the margins where fish can browse on your baits is a very valuable thing to do to help assess their response.


Personally I'd do this with any batch of bait before bothering to fish. Watching fish feeding on your bait is fantastic. (And often the biggest fish are caught on a new bait they have never experienced before.) Testing different batches of bait like this will certainly show you the winners and dramatically increase your confidence in your new baits. You will find that some of your homemade baits will out-perform those expensive shop-bought baits and by making your own baits you will learn practical ways to enhance or alter those shop baits that are 'in' too in order to 'top' them. Although there is far more to making and enhancing baits this will get you on your way!


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About the AuthorBorn in Zagreb, Croatia 1977. Like fishing and reading....

Fishing carp (I)

by Tibor

How To Make Easy Catfish And Carp Baits - Simple Cool Ingredients For Instant Catches!

I'm always messing about with baits it's so creative and fun. I even make my own flapjacks too! Making instant carp and catfish baits that really work can be very easy and simple without the need for too much technical know-how! Fishermen go on about 'nutritional attraction baits' versus 'flavoured attractor baits' versus 'fake and plastic baits' and so on and the difference in the prices of these baits can be enormous. But who cares what you use as long as it's safe, does the fish no harm and really catches you fish! Here's a few 'alternative' tit-bits on making baits that will catch you fish.

Your local stores can provide all you need but you can use specialist fishing additives and attractor ingredients too. Very easy baits for carp and catfish of many species and sub-species often utilise the same ingredients to stimulate the fish which makes things simple.

(You can make yourself some flapjacks, brownies or cinnamon scones while you're at it if so inclined, all the ingredients you need for these are eggs, self raising flour, sugar, salt, margarine and a raising agent like bicarbonate of soda.) Making these things is a great fun way to practice making good palatable baits for starters! As a side note, have you noticed how addictive 'Marmite' or 'Vegemite' (yeast extract spread) on toast with lashings of butter' is? Unfortunately it makes your feel dehydrated and maybe keen to have a drink, preferably a caffeine, milk and sugar containing coffee or tea to wash it down?

This is just to remind you how easy it is to get our body and mind in a particular state just by eating a simple snack or a 'simple' beverage. In fact these foods and drinks are popular because they are literally addictive. Once you've been having these for long enough, giving them up is something your body and mind can have trouble with and even give you withdrawal symptoms!

From the monosodium glutamate and salt in the 'Marmite,' to the opiates in the wheat flour, butter and milk, these foods have strong impacts on your body and mind. Even the fat in the butter and milk, the powerful effects of the caffeine in the beverages and even the sugar and its powerful taste enhancing effects leave you wanting more...

You really want your catfish and carp baits to be like this and it is easily achievable, especially by exploiting the high-tech refined specialist bait ingredients available today. However much more simple baits can offer a level of this effect too using ingredients from your average kitchen.
You can make a wide range of successful baits by using soya powder or meal and semolina as the basic dry powder mixture, but corn flour and wheat flour can be used too as base ingredients to make paste or dough baits or even boilies, but be sure to use 'plain flour' rather than the 'self-raising' types. Your base mix powder may not be very 'nutritionally attractive' at this point but this is easily remedied as you will see... Your baits do not have to be high protein wonder baits to catch big fish. Even these marvels can 'blow' and become less effective after fish have been caught on them enough times. In fact very simple carbohydrate type baits with a couple of added special ingredients to effect the fish in powerful ways are often enough to tempt the biggest fish. But you need to know what ingredients affect fish the way you want...

Can you imagine what adding an alcohol flavour does to you bait and how it affects the fish? What about garlic; what's really going on there? Why is liver and blood so effective? What about the effects of betaine, green lip mussel extract, or honey, molasses or brown sugar? Knowing about these type of effects on the fish might seem irrelevant, or are they?

For pastes or dough baits, just add water, or eggs to help binding and bait durability. The usual number of eggs used per pound of dry mixture is 4 per pound of dry mix to 6 per kilogram of dry mix. Added eggs will enable you to make skinned steamed or boiled baits too if preferred.
Baits with added eggs will have a higher protein level than those with water and when rolled into balls can be boiled in water or steamed in a pan to make them form a resistant coagulated skin which makes the baits last longer. You will discover that experimentation is the key to making baits and recording the amounts and ingredients you use will really pay you back especially when you want to re-make that 'bagging bait' and have forgotten what it contained!

You can do a short-cut by buying prepared cooking pastry mix. This is attractive because of its sugar salt, fat and wheat content, all of which can be pretty addictive and it can work well on carp, but needs more ingredients to get the catfish biting. You can make it that much better by rolling it out and liberally spreading peanut butter and yeast extract, like 'Marmite' or 'Vegemite' onto it, but the list you can add is endless. Liquidized chicken liver or pork liver are classic examples as are shad guts and chicken blood from a friendly butcher. However, Blood powder, liver powder and squid powder, fermented shrimp powder, shrimp and krill meal.

Tips for Organizing All Your Fishing Stuff

by Morgan Hamilton

Ever since the beginning of our relationship I knew my husband-to-be enjoyed fishing. However, only after we got married and moved to a duplex I found out he was a true fishing fanatic. He has so many fishing stuffs, much more than any ordinary man keen on fishing. He had special clothes divided in two suitcases and a box. There was one box containing towels and sheets, two other boxes were filled with kitchen supplies and utensils. We had a double garage and one side of it was filled with fishing stuff, while the other was occupied with his boat. Then I fully realized that my husband was a very serious fisherman.

Through the years we got a country home and then moved to the lake house we are currently occupying. Every time we moved the fishing stuff my husband had seemed to be multiplying. Since we live on a lake now there is fishing stuff all around us. Having so many items, we had to think of a system that would organize them and will enable my husband to find what he needed. Apart from that, it would mean I got the house cleaned of fishing stuff.

My husband has subscriptions for several magazines and catalogues offering a wide variety of hunting and fishing supplies. One day I had a glimpse of one magazine and found a fishing holder which would hold up to eight fishing rods. I immediately ordered two of them so that my husbands rods would be organized. Then I bought a closet with shelving on one side and a rod for hanging clothes on the other. The piece of furniture was made of sturdy plastic and would just fit in the corner of our garage.

After returning home with the new purchase I set up the closet. I placed my husbands fishing tackle on the shelves and hung his raingear, life jacket and other fishing and hunting clothing on the clothing rod. As soon as I got the rod holders delivered I placed all of his fishing rods and they found their place right next to the closet. I also put his filet knives at a box which I placed in the closet. The last thing I bought for the fishing stuff my husband has is a small refrigerator which stood on the other side of the closet. He can store his live bait and some beverages in it when being in the boat.

I am really happy that I managed to organize all the fishing stuff without much bother, and what is more important without having to pay too much. My husband has to buy a lock box for the boat electronics and everything will be organized. I also made a point when talking to my husband that his closet is full but he still keeps on reading the magazines and catalogues he gets monthly with anticipation.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Fishin Stuff. Visit our site for more helpful information about Fishing Stuff and other similar topics.

The Fishing Village of Maidens, South West Scotland

by Gordon McCulloch

The "Fishing" Village of Maidens.

The Maidens. Maidens is a small picturesque fishing village with a lovely long sandy beach and grass foreshore, 2 miles north of Turnberry and 5 miles west of Maybole of the South West Coast of Scotland. Maidens is a delightful village located on the north side of Turnberry Point, overlooking Maidenhead Bay. The photos below are old postcard views of the Maidens. The view has not changed much, but the fishing boats have gone.

The village retains an old world air of peace and tranquillity and is a favourite spot for artists and camera enthusiasts. It was at Maidens that Robert the Bruce landed when he sailed from Rathlin Island.

Maidens probably received its name from the Maidenhead Rocks, which lie at the end of the long pier breakwater that protects the little sandy harbour. It was at one time a busy fishing port, but today is mainly used by those who sail for pleasure. The village is extremely popular and has four caravan parks, and many day-trippers come to enjoy the beach area, the car parking, landscaped picnic area and equipped play area.

Culzean Castle is situated about a mile north of Maidens, and a web page on this site was created to give you a flavour. Also Ailsa Craig, a volcanic plug, is in view from Maidens, and a again a web page on this site has also been created.

To the west of the 18th century harbour, is a disused slipway associated with the boat building firm of Alexander MacCredie, established in 1883 to build ocean going vessels. The former site of the Ailsa Shipyards, long now establish at Troon.

Beyond the slipway is Port Murray, a small sandy bay between rocks, overlooked by a prize-winning "modern" house of 1963, designed by Peter Womersley.
A second beach is a few hundred yards further west, known as John o' Groat's Port. Hereabouts are a few rocky cliffs, part of Bain's Hill, which has a prehistoric standing stone perched near its summit.

Please feel free to use this article in any way you wish. It appears on my website at www.keelbilge.com , where I have included many photos to give a flavour of the village. All I ask is that you include my website URL address, preferably attributing it to myself, Gordon McCulloch. I would also be happy to answer any questions you may have by contacting me at GCCMCCULLOCH@aol.com .

About the Author
Gordon McCulloch is a professional engineer and teacher. He has worked and sailed in boats all his life. He was brought up near the coast, served with the Merchant Marine, and now occupies himself with all forms of water sports, in which he has developed his skill as a webmaster. Feel free to visit and comment on his website site at www.keelbilge.com .