Well Sunday was a little rainy but it was also quite warm, a great day to go fishing. We saw, well heard one other person on the water. Later as we were getting ready to leave a the end of the day we saw two other people, just driving away from the water.

We knew the forecast was rain so we brought our rain gear. I had on my chest waders, which covered me to the arm pits and had on a thick sweater. I only pulled my rain coat over my head when it was down pouring, which was only about 6 or 8 times through out the day. Just enough to keep it from running down my neck and back.

I kept watching the water build up through the day, at Jamie’s end of course. Not sure why but his end always sits deeper in the water. Ha

Oh yeah a fishing tip.

Bass And Pickerel Fishing Tip

Well before the main tip I would like to add a reminder of a previous important tip .

Look For New Green Weeds In Spring

When spring finally arrives and the new weeds start forming they produce oxegyn for the water and makes for a great place for fish to hangout.

I always look for fresh growth in the water and usually I will find a fish there.

Predator Fish Will Hide Behind A Single Stalk

I was watching a fishing show the other day and the guy mentioned about how bass will hide behind a single stalk or weed in the water. I just said ‘Well DUH!” I’ve know that for years.

Sunday I was telling Jamie that and as we moved around I was focusing on the lily pads and new lily flowers. As long as the wind was down, even though it was still raining we were pulling them out of those exact spots.

Fighting The Weeds

Back when I was fishing with Kerry he showed me how to tie up a lead so that it wouldn’t grab so many weeds so I gave his technique a try and found that it seemed to work so much better.

I am sure that is why I out fished Jamie so much on Sunday. I still caught up on some weeds but for the most part I think I probably got triple the weed free retrieves so we are going to get together and tie some for the next trip.

When we get out again and use the new setup I will write another post explaining how I tied them up so you can give them a try as well.

Water Temperature Was A Huge Factor

Just before I finish up this post I would like to add that when we found a little cove that was off the main cove we were fishig the water temp was about 8 or 10 degrees warm. I am just guessing at the temp difference but I am sure I’m close.

Well I was getting strikes everywhere I threw my bait. Then I threw it at a single lily flower and before or just as the bait hit the water it was destroyed by a hungry pickerel. It flew out of the water like it had wings.

I did that on the next lily pad as well and this time the pickerel jumped clean out of the water to come down right on top of my bait.

Fly fishing for me has been a relaxing way to spend weekends for the past 30 or more years. I’ve always used fishing to clear my mind of the stressful things during the previous week. Works great. The only thing that messes me up on a weekend fishing trip, whether it’s fly fishing or spinner or bait fishing and that’s to forget something important.

I actually left once and forgot my wading boot, fortunately I was only a short distance from home when I clued in and went back. So I know it’s good to have a list of what’s important NOT to forget.

First Aid Kit

Things like a first aid kit can come in quite handy but I didn’t start carrying one until after an angry pickerel twisted in my hand sending my fingers right into his gill plate. I got off quite lucky that day but every time I cast my line after that the line would drag across my wounds and remind how smart it would have been to carry a first aid kit.

Well I now carry a first aid kit in my tackle bag.

Rain Gear Doesn’t Do Much Good In The Closet

Another time I went without my rain gear and had to buy a cheap poncho at a little country store on the way. It lasted about a half hour in the rain and wind. The wind was strong and literally ripped it off me and took it right up into the sky and out of my site.

My fishing buddies of course were all nice and dry. If the fishing that day wasn’t so good I am sure I would have spent most of the day in the truck keeping dry and warm. I am sure I shook all the way home and was so glad to see my nice warm bed.

Now I keep my rain gear with my tackle bag and rods. No more fishing in freezing rain.

Note: I always tease my wife for keeping the TV on the weather channel but I will tell you that she is prepared when she leaves home. I am sure she wanted to say something about the weather channel saying it was going to rain all day but she’s kinder than I am.

Sun Screen Saves The Day

I have been out fishing on days that started cloudy and wet only to clear up part way through the day. This usually ends in me getting a bad sunburn on my neck or arms. All it would have taken was to have a little sunscreen, well live and learn. Now I have sun screen in my tackle bag at all times.

I fish from my float tube a lot and I’m so close to the water I get the sun from above and below, so sun screen is vital to my health and comfort.

Bug Spray or Bug Mesh

I am sure you have been out fishing when the bugs drive you mad or nearly. I can’t stand bugs crawling on me so I always have bug spray and I use it. I don’t like things close to my face either so I have a hard time with those mesh tents you put over your head and body. My wife uses the mesh as she isn’t willing to put poison on her body like I am willing to do.

Either way, spray or mesh, you will have a much better day on the water without the bug bites.

Bass fishing tips are great for any beginner as knowledge is power. Knowing a few details about the metabolism of a bass can make the difference between fishing and catching.

The temperature of the water you fish needs to be within a specific range to have your best days. I have gone when it’s a bit too early here and the water temperature was too low and it was as if there were no bass in the water at all.

A day or two later and the temperature of the water raised enough to make those bass extremely active. So pay attention to the water temperature and you will have better days.

A great bass fishing tip is, when the water is too cold for bass to be very active move to shallower water if possible, where the sun warms it up faster. It can be dyn-o-might fishing.

I have been fishing smallmouth bass here in New Brunswick and at the start of each new fishing season I head to the spots that warm up first and very seldom get skunked. Although last year I took a friend to spot I thought was going to be perfect but the water was considerably colder than any other year I have fished there in the spring.

Water temperatures for optimal smallmouth bass fishing conditions are between 10 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius. Get above 25 or below 10, approx, and they will tend to shut down, so find the water that is between these two values and you should be catching fish if they are there.

I say ‘if they are there’ because I was fishing a spot hoping for a few smallies and this little ole lady came up to me laughing at me and telling me that pond never had fish in it and then she walked away laughing. You never know until you try.

Fish tend to school or travel in groups of similar sized fish so you can use this as an indicator of whether you should choose to move on if all you are catching are small smallies. Although I have caught some big bass after a number of little guys were caught, so take this piece of advice any way you would like.

As a rule if I go too long with the same size fish I will move on.

After saying all this it still comes down to going with my gut because some days all the conditions seem right yet nothing is happening. That’s the time I start thinking about what they eat and find a location where their source of food is more plentiful.

That might mean to start checking out the little bays and coves where the wind may have forced the bait fish into.

Get the first few tips right and you should be having a good time smallmouth bass fishing.

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• Fly Fishing For Smallmouth Bass in New Brunswick (thejoyofflyfishing.com)

With the varied kind of tents on the market today ensure that you get the correct one for your camper has they all have different requirements. It is therefore imperative that you look for a tent that best serves your needs and at the same time is durable and suitable for the weather type of your camping site.

Going camping is an exciting adventure provided you have a comfortable tent to keep you cosy and sheltered when required. It is up to you to decide which kind of tent will suit your needs best as each indiviudal has different preferences. The weight, weather and space you require are all factors to consider when choosing your tent. Tests are carried out by most manufacturers to test the standards of the tents in terms of quality, reliability, durability and material.

Materials used for tents are generally lightweight nylon or polyester fabric. Because of the constant abrasions that it suffers from the ground below, the groundsheet (or base) of the tent is made out of a far more durable fabric. To prevent it from tearing easily ripstop nylon is used. All camping tents are made to be waterproof by using a coating of polyurethane. In case of a sudden shower, this prevents the water from seeping in from the outside. The forming of condensation can be prevented on the tent with certain coatings. Make sure you check this out before you purchase otherwise you could end up with a tent that has no ventilation.

The kinds of tents include ridge tents, geodesic tents, dome tents and tunnel tents. The ability of a tent to withstand severe weather conditions can be determined by a number of factors such as the aerodynamics, the location of the guy points and the arrangement of the poles for the tent. If you are preparing for an expedition where perhaps you will be facing harsh weather, you need to consider purchasing Geodesic tents as they are sturdy and made to standards that are fit for this purpose. The poles intersect each other forming a self-sustaining structure that allows more room inside, besides it can hold the weight of snow as well as keep the icy winds from penetrating through the material.

The curved roof on the tunnel tent gives more height than the sloped pointed roof on the dome tent, which provides you with more space. This means you have more room available inside the tent and do not feel constricted. A dome tent only uses two poles for support or sometime three if there is a porch included so if you are looking to buy a lightweight tent then this is the most suitable. It would be most appropriate if you were to go backpacking.

If you are looking for a family tent then you must look for designs that are structured keeping in mind a base camp environment. Such tents are erected only once and remain until the end of the trip. Because these are larger and heavier, it is safe to assume they can accommodate more people for a longer period of time. Also try to take a tent a size larger than your requirement; you will not regret having more space for use. With all the information discussed in the article you can now purchase the right tent for your needs with peace of mind.

When summer time comes and salmon are starting to run, many people who like fishing visit Auckland. Tourists tend to know when the salmon run starts.  This may not be on purpose but they do know the best place to catch salmon is in fishing Auckland.  Auckland’s waters make their tourists even lawyers get the Auckland fishing guide and provide the tourists the best spots in Auckland for fishing. First, you have to know what kind of fish you want to catch. You can choose from different varieties of fishes like silver salmon, arctic char, steelhead, Auckland king salmon, rainbow trout, or any other fish.

The Arctic, Southwest, South central, Southeast and the interior design are the five known geographical places in Auckland. These are the sites where you can maximize your fishing expedition. You have to hire a fishing guide since you do not know the area. They may give the best spots for you and accompany you to your fishing.

Here Are Some Things You May Want To Ask From Your Guide at:
http://landscapingservices.co.nz

1. You have to know how long they have been doing their work in Auckland. It is good if they have been staying there for a long time already. The reason is that they have much knowledge about the different yearly cycles of Auckland.
2. Be aware of the time you will spend during the trip. Also, make note of the time that you will need during the actual fishing. The amount that you will pay your guide might only be consumed on the time of the boat ride rather than the fishing itself.
3. Ask how much a particular guide would cost, because they have different rates depending on their skills, experiences and length of stay in their job. A guide that would cost cheaper than the average rate of the other guides might not have enough experience and skills.
4. It is recommended that you have your references. This will help you narrow down your choices in selecting a fishing guide. Most people who have been there are willing to share about how satisfied they were during the fishing vacation. They can also give you some advice on what you need to do during the adventure.
5. Remember, this is a chance for you to ask about particular issues that concern you. Do not hesitate to gather information from your guide. By this time, you should be able to have your final choice for your Auckland fishing guide that will be perfect for your plans and make the most out of your trip in Auckland.

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You might think that surf fishing is a calm and easy way to have fun but the fact of the matter is, it is a lot more difficult than many might think. There are a lot of preparations that even expert fishermen undergo while planning for surf fishing. Calculations like wave height, the current, wind direction and rock positioning should be taken into consideration to be successful in surf fishing. All these information are taken into consideration before you start and cast your line. You need to learn some surf fishing basics even though you consider yourself a game fisherman or something.

I have had an experience in surf fishing two years ago, persuaded by a friend. So, there we were on the beach on the beach. He had the best catch while I had none and I thought that doing fishing on a lake is much better than surf fishing. But after he lend me a book guide that have taught him how to surf fishing, I come to understand fully that the enjoyment of surf fishing is much more than regular fishing on a lake. Because I’m too ashamed to borrow his book for a long time, I decided to surf the Internet and buy my own surf fishing book guide. Now, I have the book and I have been learning a lot from it in my own spare time. This year, I’m now planning to take my family on a vacation by the beach and I will proudly show to them the surf fishing techniques that I’ve learned from this book.

If you are fond of fishing and haven’t tried surf fishing yet, it’s highly recommendable that you should try it. You will really get a kick out of surf fishing and don’t forget to buy this book online. If you’re already been surf fishing and yet has gotten minimal results, buy this book and you will never regret investing on it.

A great fish finder can make the difference between a good fishing trip and a great fishing trip. The Eagle fish finder has been making a big splash in the fish finder sonar market because of its compact size and durability. It’s the perfect tool for sport fishermen who are serious about getting a great catch every time. If you have often wondered, “How do fish finders work,” then read on. In this article, we’ll tell you how the Eagle work and how it compares with other fish finders and how it can help you out on the water.

There are a few different models of the Eagle fish finder and all are quite easy to use and reasonable. Due to its size and lightweight construction this device can be used on small boats such as canoes, float tubes and kayaks. The transducer, the operating piece of the device, mounts onto the craft making use of a suction cup. Due to its well-built and watertight exterior, this portable gadget can be used in both saltwater and freshwater environments. An additional benefit of this piece of equipment is the screen design. It’s bright and easy to read – even in full sunlight. The Eagle varies in price from approximately $100-$500 and comes with a one year warranty from the manufacturer.

Sonar signals is what allows these devices, including the Eagle fish finder, to work. Using a transducer, which is the working element, a signal is sent below the boat and it scans the area for fish, weeds and other underwater structures. The signal or echo is sent back to the boat and is displayed as a chart on your screen. The power of the transducer will determine how long this process takes. Customer reviews regarding the speed and accuracy of the Eagle have generally been very favorable.

Among the Eagle’s biggest selling points is user-friendliness. After you have arrived at a prospective fishing place, turn on your fish locator. The unit will show the deepness and water temperature to about 600 feet in the screen’s corner. The sonar chart will begin scrolling and show anything right below the watercraft as you drift or troll for schools of fish. By using the menu choices you can fine-tune the sensitivity of the apparatus. The fish will be displayed as a straight line when you are at a stop.

As good as the Eagle fish finder is, no device is foolproof. To get the most out of your fish locator, you must determine which frequency to use. One rule of thumb is to use the 83 kHz option in very deep saltwater and the 200 kHz option in shallow water up to about 300 feet. The 200 kHz frequency gives better detail and definition, but its depth penetration isn’t as good. The sonar can be fooled, so watch for false readings if you use the fish display option–often called Fish ID–instead of the actual fish echoes. Fish ID displays symbols on the screen. For example, a small fish symbol will appear when the device “thinks” the target is a small fish, a medium icon when it “thinks” it has hit a medium fish etc. In spite of this, the Eagle is still a great device that will definitely improve your game.

Don’t know your Garmin Fishfinder 140 from your Furuno FCV? Read fish finder reviews to help you make the right choice.

There are some things that you should automatically expect from all fish finders on the market these days. The first is that the fish finder alerts you to the depth of the water and the second is the terrain of the ground beneath your fishing area. The third is the temperature of the water. These things can all help you land the fish you are after but really you should expect more. The Eagle Cuda 300 Fishfinder does give you the basics and it gives you a bit more.

To be quite honest, the Eagle Cuda 300 Fishfinder is not the best fish finder on the market. It does have a limited depth and range for its sonar. But considering its price you do get the basics plus a little bit more. It is those extras that are fueling sales of this fish finder over comparative models.

One of the added features you get with the Eagle Cuda 300 is the power to see the distance downward of the fish. That’s valuable because, when casting out your line and using weights, you want to hit the proper deepness for the particular fish you’re looking for. The topography the Eagle Cuda 300 displays is pretty comprehensive considering it is a less costly product. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to see that pile of seaweed at the bottom of the lake that you can potentially get caught on, but it does give you a view of a generalized terrain.

The Eagle Cuda 300 also consists of another rather handy aspect. It allows you to view the screen even in bright natural light. Many LCD screens are tough to read when daylight is shining on them so this is a feature you should keep in mind.

The Eagle Cuda 300 Fishfinder is very reasonably priced. You can find it online at various websites for around 0, which puts it into the economical category. Though it is not going to give you the intricate details of the size of the fish or the type, it still does the job quite well. As a beginning fisherman, this is a good purchase because it gives you the basics plus a little bit extra. If you are a competitive sportsman or woman, you may want to go with a more advanced model.

If you want to increase your odds of catching fish, you should consider investing in a fish finder. But how do you know if the Lowrance X96 fishfinder is superior to the Garmin 140, for example? You need to read some fish finder reviews to help you decide on the perfect model for your needs.

Casey is a big fan of RapalaNation and invited me to join some time ago. I don’t get there very often but I keep myself pretty busy when I’m online and should get over there more often.

They have contest for naming new Rapalas and you can win or earn yourself some now Rapalas for next season so take a look and make some new friends. Nothing like making new fishing buddies, exspecially if they live in your area.

My username is FlyFisherMann, stop by and say hello.

I have to get back over there and see what I can do to earn myself a new Rapala countdown like the one I lost this year, on my very last cast of the season too.

Heck I didn’t even have a fish on and there was no weeds, it just decided to find a new home I guess.

Note: Not that RapalaNation is worth being at all year long but I noticed this morning that they are raffling of 50 new lures and fishing gear, so get over there.

I have done a lot of camping over the past 40 or so years and it’s mostly for fishing, a few family camping trips.

If there is one activity where it’s hugely important to think about how much you pack and exactly what you pack, it’s camping. Taking too much stuff is a common error campers make, as it means more to carry, sometimes long distances to a camp site or on hiking trip. The main thing to remember when planning a camping trip is making sure that your equipment is lightweight; it will be easier to transport and if you plan it well you can readily bring all the gear you need.

To begin with, check that everything you need is in good condition. Before you start to pack, you need to lay out all your camping gear so you can see all items you are taking with you on your trip. Make sure everything is functional. next, determine that everything you have selected is absolutely necessary. Check every piece of equipment in your expedition pack. If you’re not sure you will use it, leave it behind.

Camping trips often involve prolonged hikes and this will be tough if you are weighed down with unnecessary items.  With some expeditions lasting for several weeks, you must be equipped for most things but also pack light enough to be calm and relaxed, which can be a challenge. The idea is not to just take light items, but also to pack the things you will most likely use in your camping gear.

Before replacing everything in your pack with lightweight items, go through your camping gear thoroughly another time and take out any other things you won’t use. If it’s your first camping trip, that can be difficult but if you have been camping and hiking before, you know the likelihood of needing a particular piece of equipment. If you didn’t use it last time, you do not need it adding to the weight of your load this time. For example, we all know that it’s necessary to take fresh water, but try packing only collapsible empty water containers and some water decontamination tablets so that you can find water along the way and be sure that it’s okay to drink. The weight of your load can be the difference between a tiresome experience and a pleasurable one, so only pack items essential for your comfort and survival.

Checklist

A carefully compiled checklist is a very important element of every camping trip to ensure that critical items are not forgotten and nonessential items are left behind. Apart from the obvious items like a tent, inflatable beds or sleeping mat and sleeping bags, list items that will be needed each day, such as eating utensils, wet weather gear and warm clothing (depending on the expected climate), cooking equipment, matches, flashlights, spare batteries, insect repellent, sunscreen, protective clothing, first aid kit, compass and personal hygiene items. A supply of non-perishable food is also wise to satisfy your needs if you are able to stock up.

Camping is a time honored family tradition that many families begin from the start of life with their children. Having the right baby camping stuff can make the trip more enjoyable and memorable for everyone.

And make sure to pack some items for amusement and entertainment for when the weather keeps your family inside. Careful planning leads to maximum enjoyment.

If you want to learn more about camping gear, check out Josh’s site.