Fishing Beginner Basics

Tips for Deep Sea Fishing

2008-02-06T04:30:00.000-08:00

Deep sea fishing is a wonderful and extremely enjoyable activity. Here are some tips that will make your salt water fishing adventure even better.

1. Watch the signs
If you see birds e.g. Seagulls that are feasting on small bait-type fishes, there are probably larger game-type fish below the surface of the water. Also, look for floating wood or debris. In most cases when you chance upon a large floating wood, you would find a large game fish in the area even encountering dolphin.

2. Stop, Snook and Listen
Fishing for snooks is quite similar as fishing for bass. Snooks like to be around ledges, posts and rocks.

3. Crabs for full moon
During full moons use soft crab imitations as bait. That's the time when crabs shed their shells and stripers come looking for them.

4. If you're looking for tunas, find the dolphins
Yellowfin tuna are usually found schooling with dolphins. So if you see a group of dolphins, chances are there are some tuna in the area.

5. Cut and Burn
If you have trouble cutting through a spiderwire braid, try using a lighter or a match.

6. Good Reef
The best place to fish is near reefs since big game fish feed on fish that live on reefs.

7. The Circle Hook
Use a circle hook if you would like a higher hook up ratio. These hooks guarantees more catch, because of the minute gap, and the reverse point. They are generally better for the fish since they do not hook in the gut just the lip.

8. Don’t have sea legs
Watch the horizon and stay on deck. These would generally help you if you're having trouble with sea sickness: Stay away from the boat fumes, breathing it only exacerbates the problem.

9. Anchors away
When your anchor is stuck at the bottom, try attaching a float to it. Return after the tide has changed in direction. This should be enough to loosen the anchor.

10. Fish where the fish are!
A lot of fisherman have the idea that they should be catching their live baits over the reefs before going to deep waters. If the live baits are not in the area you're planning to catch the larger games, then why would you come up with the idea that the large fish are there. Wouldn't they be in the area where the bait fish are?

What is the Purpose of Fishing Rod Holders?

2008-02-06T04:27:00.000-08:00

Fishing is a sport designed for relaxation. It is where fish lovers pride themselves of the fish caught while celebrating it with friends and family.

The rod holder is a fishing tool that allows fishermen to multi-task easily. It was invented because fishing requires the use of both hands in the whole process of luring, hook clearing and removing the fish from the hooks. With all these tasks, letting go of the pole is difficult. The fishing rod holder was intended for anglers to be able to make use of both hands.

The first design of fishing rod holders had two parts. The first is a pole-binding device with a strap placed on the railing to tie up to the fishing pole. The second part is a Velcro strap that could be tied on your limb, arms or waist.

The first designs needed improvement because when the straps were placed on the waist, it is wedged into anything you hit. Therefore, a new design of rod holder was invented which has four parts – two pole clips and two straps.

Depending on what fishing position you are in, the short strap is used to be wrapped around your wrist or forearm and the long strap is wrapped around your ankle or leg.

There are also rod holders which come with a remedial solution for seasickness. This curative fishing rod is capable of providing the user with an acupressure stimulator. Providing that the strap of the holder be worn all throughout the trip, it would remain efficient since the pressure is exerted continuously.

The rod holder is best for fly-fishing. Fly fishing is done in locations with rocky rivers and it is impossible to use your other hand for any purpose other than the fishing tasks. Because of the clips wrapped around your lower leg, you have a choice of putting the rear of the fishing pole into the clip so that no water could go inside it.

The upper pole clips could rotate to 360 degrees. It allows the user to do any movement since the pole is more flexible. The fishing rod holder could be used in any location whether in boats, on land, or at the dock. It prevents the fishing rod to slip from your hands and it allows you to release the rod easily.

The best fishing rod holders are those that are homemade. However, many fishing stores offer high quality rod holders that would best suit your kind of fishing.

Excellent Fishing Destinations

2008-02-03T05:44:00.000-08:00

Excellent Fishing Destinations are ideal for Fishing vacations and range from a variety of locations all over the world. You can do everything from camp out at the lake, fish through a hole in the ice, cast your fishing rod off the side of the beach pier, or even join a luxury yacht.

Whichever is your fishing dream choice it’s always good to know where are the best fishing hot spots.

Below is a list of some of the best fishing destinations for a fishing vacation.

Los Cabos, Mexico
Tuna and Marlin is what this fishing vacation is all about. Go out on the boat for the day and see how many of these huge monsters you can bring back. Don’t fall overboard now!

Montauk Point, New York, USA
Many fishermen say there are more fish in this one spot swimming bye than anywhere else in the world. So if you’re looking to stock up for the year, this is the fishing vacation spot for you.

Western Montana, USA
Western Montana is the place to be if you’re into fly-fishing. Along with a relaxing atmosphere and over 59,000 miles of rivers and streams across the state, you can’t go wrong at this vacation spot.

River Lochy, Queenstown, New Zealand
This is the place if you love fly fishing. But beware; the only way you will reach the lake here is by boat or helicopter. But the size of the trout here will make it all worth it.

Key West, Florida, USA
Not only can you have a great time partying down in Key West, Florida, The fishing is among the best. Rent a room, fish during the day and party hard all night. This is a vacation.

Quepos, Costa Rica
Go for Marlin fishing, Mahi Mahi, Tuna and the Snapper are fish that you can look forward to catching on this fishing vacation. Do you like the resort style vacation? This is the place. Plus you can get your fishing plans set up through the any of the fabulous resorts around.

Manitoba, Canada
If you’re looking for a fight, these Canadian pike fish will give you a run for your money. Just look at the name of the lure designed just for these feisty fish, the daredevil.

Victoria, Australia
This is another place to wrestle with the fish. You know how the Australians’ do it. Test your chances wrestling with the sharks. If you win, you’ll have some good eating.

Southerland, Scotland
This is the place for a relaxing fishing vacation getaway. Find your own little private fishing spot and cast away.

Lough Corrib, Connemara, Ireland
If your planning to vacation in May, this is the best choice for a your fishing vacation. This is the best time to catch the red-fleshed corrib trout. Plus the entire town is having a festival; they even declared a holiday for the schools to be out for this occasion.

Each of the fishing destinations beat the other in its unique aspects and is sure to make you go crazy on all. These are some of the best visited fishing spots and so the reason why people opt to visit all of these one at a time.

Did you ever try Night Fishing?

2008-02-03T05:39:00.000-08:00

Night fishing is fishing at night, usually, but not always when the moon is full. Night fishing is quite often done from a boat, but can also be done from shore or in rivers and streams. In some areas, you can use artificial light to lure the big fish. However, the use of artificial light for night fishing is prohibited in some areas, so be sure to check the rules and regulations for the area where you are planning to night fish.

Night fishing is more of a thrill for the angler. Imagine hooking and landing a large fish in almost total darkness. Anglers love the thrill of a night catch and the challenge that it presents. The best time of the year to night fish is from mid-April to October. The summer months are the prime time for night fishing excursions.

If you've never been night fishing, there are a few preparations you will need to take care of before the night fishing excursion. Be sure the running lights on your boat are working well. Running lights are mandated by law in most areas. Check the fuses and bulbs and be sure that there is no acid corrosion on your battery terminals. Check your boat's engine and be sure it's running smoothly. It must be in top running condition before going on a night fishing excursion. It's not good to be lost on the lake during daytime, but it's even worse if you are stranded in the middle of a lake at night. Pack two flashlights that have new batteries inserted and take along extra batteries as well. This will ensure you are not left in the dark if your flashlight or batteries fail.

Be sure there is a pair of needle nose pliers in your tackle box. Because at night you can't always see your line and the fish may swallow the hook or it may become deeply embedded in its mouth. Needle nose pliers make removing the hook a much easier task. Pack a couple of cans of insect repellent with your gear. This will give you protection against mosquitoes and other hungry insects. If you take extra repellent, you will have lots to share with other anglers who forgot theirs and are slowly being eaten alive.

Make a mental note of where to find everything in your boat. At night, it's next to impossible to find pliers or tackle if you don't have some idea of the area where it's located. Pre-tie flies, leaders and terminal rigs. If you tie too many, you can always use them on your next night fishing excursion. If you don't tie enough, you'll be hard pressed to tie them in the dark. It's best if you head out onto the lake before dark. It's difficult to anchor properly on a reef or ledge if it is pitch black.

There are several advantages to fishing at night. Night fishing affords solitude and tranquility, as most anglers go to the lake during daytime when it is overcrowded. Fishing at night gives you a chance to fish in peace and leave the stress of the world behind. During daytime when it is hot, large fish tend to avoid shallow water. At night, they move into the shallows to feed. Night fishing often produces a larger catch because of this.

If you are night fishing, anchor your boat over reefs and ledges, or pull your boat within casting distance of the shallows. Big bass and trout lurk in weedy areas and wait for prey to pass by. Lights of nearby docks or street lights attract microscopic marine animals into these areas. Larger fish will follow these animals into shore to feed upon them. Cast near retaining walls, docks and brush areas to catch fish that are feeding. They tend to hide in shadowed areas while waiting for prey. Another good spot to night fish is the entrance to a bay or harbor. Fish move into these areas from deeper water in the night hours in order to feed.

There are several fish species that can be fished at night. In the spring, smelt fishing is a popular sport. Other species include bass, trout, catfish, walleye, king mackerel, snapper, shark and bullhead. Because the fish that feed at night are sensitive to both sound and smell, there are a wide range of baits that can be used. Nightcrawlers, crustaceans and chum lines all work well, as do minnows, shiners, cut bait, prepared bait, egg sacs and bug hatches. Artificial bait includes spinners, streamers, and wet and dry flies.

If you would like to try night fishing and need assistance choosing equipment, tackle or bait, ask an experienced night angler to help you. This might be a family member, friend, neighbor or a guide on a chartered boat.

Fishing Rods for that Perfect Fishing Experience

2008-01-12T11:41:00.000-08:00

Today’s fishing rods have incorporated modern features that are not typical of the more primitive cane pole. Modern fishing rods contain reels, which aid in the retrieval of fish caught in its bait.

A much-sophisticated feature is the spinning rod where the entire shaft of the rod except the handle can move around on its axis to allow flexibility when fish caught on snare bait struggles through the water.

Like the classic cane fishing rods, the fishing gadget is thick at the handle (bottom) and is tapered and thinner at the tip. This very basic design allows handling stability and flexible movement of the entire length of the shaft.

Types of Fishing Rods and Specifications
A typical fishing rod measures 6 and 16 feet (2 and 5 m) and vary in capability to tolerate strain in fishing activity. The length has a lot to do with withstanding force exerted by the fish to the pole and determines for the most part the performance of rods used for angling.

Cane Poles
Cane poles are one of the smallest and less sophisticated gadgets in fishing. It is usually made of bamboo or other flexible wood material with the most basic fly line attached to it.
Unlike other more sophisticated fishing rods, cane poles do not usually contain reels or its equivalent to be used for reeling in or retrieving fish caught on bait. This very same action is known as angling.

Spinning Rods
These types of rods are the most popular today. They can be used either for heavyweight or lightweight fish although they were proven best for trout, walleye and bass fish. They vary in measurements from 5 and 7 feet (1.5 and 2.5 m).
Spinning poles are commonly used in bass fishing competition accounting for their flexibility and tolerance to stress. They accommodate bigger and tougher fly lines and stabilize them to avoid line tangles during uncoiling of float lines.

Jigging Rods
These rods are best for heavy lures and baits especially when reaching around 180 to 200 feet under the ocean’s surface. They are made of fine, solid materials which accounts to their heaviness. The use of jigging rods is specifically due to alternating currents during the fishing activity.

Some oceans have erratic undersea current. That is why the bait and fly lines should be kept in place. Lures are also disturbed and cause confusion among fish if the lines are not long and heavy enough to withstand and tolerate water currents under the sea.

These rods are best for target fishes usually found dwelling at the bottom of the sea such as halibut and cods.

All about Fishing Hooks

2007-10-09T10:50:00.000-07:00

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Hooks

Regardless of type, every hook has a few basic attributes. The end has an eye, through which you can thread your line. The shank is the section from the eye to the curve. After the curve, there's a sharp point. Many styles have a barb near the point - a secondary, smaller hook to prevent the fish from escaping once snared.

The shape and size of the hook is often as important as the individual parts.

The size of the gap between the point and the shank plays an important role in catching fish. Too small and the hook won't grab the fish firmly - the fish doesn't get it far enough in to prevent pulling away.

The throat - the distance between the center of the bend and the midpoint of the gap - plays a similar part in how effectively the fish is hooked.

Beyond these basic attributes, there are dozens of variations in styles of hook. The points can be ultra-sharp or more blunt. Thin points penetrate more readily, but thicker points will hold better.

As with any design element, it's always a balancing act, influenced by the style of fishing intended. Saltwater fly fishing, for example, makes use of a narrower hook to penetrate more easily the tough hides of game fish. Fly fishers often use a reversed or kirbed point in tandem with large flies. The sharp angle makes for a really effective barb.

Just as barbs come in different styles, so does the element at the opposite end - the eye. Looped eyes make for easy threading and line release. Just make your knot and slip it through the narrow gap between the shank and the end. Swiveled eyes are used for large game fish to help keep the lines from getting twisted.

Circle hooks are one of the newer fads, though the design has been around for several years. The shank is curved, making something of a long bend with no straight shaft. The curve is designed to slide along the inside of the mouth to the corner of the jaw. That helps prevent gut hooking, leaving lots of fight in the fish after it's hooked.

It also means there's no need to set the hook to lodge it firmly into the fish. You just reel back gently and you're on your way to a fun catch. Circle hooks make for relatively easy and harmless catch-and-release when that's your style.

Hooks are made from different materials, but stainless steel is usually your best bet for saltwater. Forged hooks are the norm for bait fishing. Avoid tinned hooks, since they corrode rapidly.

In general, there's little advantage to attempting to modify an existing hook - by bending, filing or otherwise. It's too easy to break one or stab your thumb. In a pinch, do what you must. But it's better to be prepared and have a number of different styles in your tackle box. (I'm busy designing a Graph that breaks down the different part of the hook and will post it later)

Fishing Lure

2007-07-11T08:15:00.000-07:00

The Purpose of a Fishing Lure

If you are going fishing make sure you have all your equipment ready for your big day. Check the tackle box make sure the hooks are there and the extra line, but be especially sure that the fishing lure, the fancy new one you bought that morning, is in the box with the rest of them. A fishing lure is a very important piece of fishing gear. The purpose of which is to trick the fish into thinking that it is the meal they are looking for. Then the fish grabs it and is caught by the hook attached to it. It sounds simple but it is really not.

The fishing lure is tied to the end of the fishing line. Its tossed into the water with some type of bait put on it. This can be something real like a worm or some type of bug or it can be what is called a spinner. This is something colorful to trick the fish into thinking its food. In fly-fishing its different because the fishing lure stays on the top of the water, though it may eventually sink, because this type of fishing lure is supposed to appear to be a real bug. They are often made by the person fishing and are frequently quite elaborate in their construction. They can be bought at sports stores as well.

The truth is that for every fishing lure in your tackle box there are another hundred different ones that can be bought. Since each type of fish will be attracted to a different lure they come in every size, shape and color imaginable. They are made to look like worms of every conceivable color. For smaller fish there are lures that appear to be bugs or minnows. For bigger fish you can buy them to look like frogs or crawfish. They even need to be different based on the time of year since different bugs are in season at different times.

If this is early in your fishing career make sure you do some research before you go fishing so you have the right kind of lures for the fish you are hoping to catch. It would be a shame to sit all day and catch nothing simply because you had the wrong lure.

Fishing Knots

2007-07-11T08:04:00.000-07:00

Tying Fishing Knots

There are hundreds of fishing knots that people can use when they are trying to tie a knot on their fishing pole. While many of these knots are simple, some require practice. Many people learn how to tie these fishing knots at summer camp or from those that they fish with. Basic knot tying skills are all that will be needed when fishing in most situations. Some people create elaborate knots because they enjoy the challenge of tying these knots. The basic knot it the slip knot. This knot is done by simply crossing over two pieces and string and pulling them together.

One can find more complex fishing knots on the Internet or in books that can be found in bookstores, fishing supply stores, or libraries. Learning from other people is also a good way to learn how to tie fishing knots. Sometimes seeing things first hand will help a person figure out how to the knot more easily than from a book. Many people are better at learning by practicing first hand. Once a person has learned how to tie a few knots, they should use them when they go fishing so that they do not forget how to use them. These knots can be used to tie flies, lures, weights, and floaters.

Fishing knots are used for many different reasons. They can be used to hold hooks on a line, or keep fish from escaping. Knowing how to tie a knot properly can help a person become better at fishing. Once the knot is in place, you are ready to fish. Fishing knots can be used for different types of fishing and for other reasons as well. Securing items on top of a car or in a trunk by using the correct knot can help when transporting items from one place to the next.

Fishing Reel Basics

2006-09-02T05:26:00.000-07:00

The Bottonline on Fishing Reels

a Fishing reel is a piece of Fishing Tackle that is devised for sports and hobby fishermen to cast and retrieve fishing line. It is a spool and axle that mounts on a fishing rod. There are also reels that have been specifically designed to mount on boats. There are three basic types of fishing reels: bait casting, fly casting and spin casting.

Bait Casting Reels
Bait casting reels are extremely complicated. The line is pulled off the rod by the weight of the lures being used. It is thrust forward by the motion of casting. These reels usually provide a device that lays the line evenly across the rotating cylinder that acts as the core of the reel. If the cast is not smooth, it will cause problems when the line is reeled in. The line can become tangled, which is frustrating to the user. Great lengths of time can be spent untangling the line when using bait casting reels. These reels are not for beginners or children.

Fly Fishing Reels
There are two specific things you need to be aware of when choosing a fly fishing reel. One is to ensure that it has a drag that is extremely responsive. The second thing is to buy a fly fishing reel that can stand the tension and strain put on it should you have a significantly large catch. Fly casting reels are more expensive than other types of fishing reels. When purchasing a fly fishing reel, look it over with an eagle eye and ascertain that there are no plastic parts. It isn't unusual for plastic to fail when you have a large fish on your line. All metal reels are much more reliable and are worth the extra price that you will pay. Read more here about Fly Reels.

Spinning Reels
There are two types of spinning reels - closed faced and open faced.
The closed faced reel is inexpensive and easy to use. It is the best type of reel for those who are learning to fish. Closed faced reels are almost trouble free, yet are capable of bringing in your catch, whatever it may be. Closed faced spinning reels have a push button release when casting and have an opening in the top for the line to come out when cast. This type of reel is mounted on your fishing rod. Spinning reels are used by fishermen who are hobbyist, casual sportsmen, beginners and children. If you buy a prepackaged rod and reel, this is usually the type of reel that's included.

Open faced spinning rods are more difficult to use and comes in a variety of sizes. Ultra light models are great for catching pan fish. Larger models will be needed for game fishing or ocean fishing. Line capacity on an open faced reel is greater and is serviceable when fishing for salmon and trout. They have a smooth drag, which makes them an excellent choice for the longer run game fish.

A closed faced fishing reel is perfect for beginners and children, as mentioned above. As your fishing skills are honed, you may wish to upgrade to an open faced reel and then move on to more advanced reels. Keep in mind that you don't want to choose a reel with plastic parts that can fail if you catch a good sized fish. A good rule of thumb is the lighter the line, the smaller the reel. Be sure the reel you purchase is compatible with the type of fishing line you plan to use. If you're choosing only one reel, a medium speed is best. If you plan on buying at least two reels, choose both a high and low speed. There is a difference in reels for right and left-handed people.

Be sure you purchase a reel that is compatible with your dexterity. Left handed reels turn counter clock wise while a right handed reel turns clock wise.

If you have trouble choosing a reel, ask a family member or friend who is an avid angler to lend you a hand, or ask the staff at your local fishing store. Anyone who has experience in fishing will be more than glad to help in any way they can.

Fishing Bait Basics

2006-08-31T12:02:00.000-07:00

Fishing Bait is something, either live or artificial that attracts fish. When the fish 'takes the bait', you set the hook and skillfully bring the fish to shore.

Live Bait
There are many live types of bait that can be used to catch fish. These include earthworms, also known as dew worms and night crawlers. Insects that can be used include grasshoppers, flies, insect larvae and crickets. Other live baits are minnows, chub, shad, crayfish and frogs. Live bait can be purchased at fishing bait and tackle stores, at some variety stores in popular fishing areas, on a dewy lawn after dark (use a flashlight to find dew worms), compost piles, around piers and boat launches as well as around campsites.

Prepared Bait
Prepared bait is bait that has been previously prepared. These include kernel corn, bread balls, cheese balls, stink baits, salmon eggs, cereal balls, baked potato pieces, chicken entrails and hotdogs.

Artificial Bait
Artificial bait is bait that is manmade. These include plastic worms and insects, flies, lures, small jigs, streamer flies, spoons, streamers and spinners.

Fish and Bait
There are certain types of bait that work better for specific fish species. A few suggestions of bait to use for fish species are:

Bluegillmaggots, grubs, worms, crickets, grasshoppers, small flies, ice spoons or jigs.
Bowfinworms, minnows, crayfish, frogs, spinners, spoons and streamers.
Bullheadleaf worms, night crawlers, insects, insect larvae, crayfish and stink bait.
Carpdough balls, angle worms, peeled crayfish tails, corn, cheese balls and cereal or baked potato pieces.

Catfishnight crawlers and prepared baits such as bread balls, hotdogs and chicken entrails.
Crappieminnows, worms, insect larvae, insects, small flies, small jigs and small spinners.
Garminnows, suckers and frogs.

Perchminnows, worms, crayfish, insect larvae, insects, small flies, ice spoons and small jigs.
Pickerelminnows, chub, crayfish, worms, spinners, spoons and streamer flies.
Rock Bassminnows, crayfish, insects, insect larvae and worms.
Striped Bassshad, worms, shad, spinners and streamers.

Sunfishmaggots, grubs, leaf worms, insects, small flies, ice spoons and small jigs.
Troutsalmon eggs and lures.

There are several different types of minnows and some are better than others for specific fish species. A few specific fish that can be caught with different types of minnows are:

Chubnorthern pike and bass.
Golden Shinernorthern pike and bass.
Fathead Minnowbass, crappie, panfish and walleye.
Bluntnose Minnowbass, crappie and walleye.

Bait is placed on the end of your fishing line. If you wish to change bait with ease, use a fishing knot to attach a swivel and/or leader, which you should carry in your tackle box. A hook or lure is attached to the swivel/leader with a pin-like clip. If you are using lures, you attach the lure, cast and work or troll it.

If you are using live bait, you attach it to the hook. When hooking worms, you can either start the hook near the head and thread it about three quarters of the way through the center of the body and exit near the tail, or hook it twice, about a half inch from the head and again about a half inch from the tail. Hook maggots through the blunt end very lightly to ensure it remains lively. If using slugs, use a large hook, about a size 2, and nick it through the body.

Prepared bait is also used on a hook. To bait a hook with cheese, bury the point of the hook inside the cheese. Sweet corn is slide through the end of the kernel. Bread can be mixed with a bit of water and made into balls. When using bread balls as bait, bury the point inside the ball.

What Not to Use as Bait
Salmon and trout should never be used as bait, as these fish can promote the spread of whirling disease, which is a type of parasite. If you don't know which bait to use for specific fish, or how the bait should be attached to the hook, ask a family member or a friend who is an experienced angler to help you determine which is best to attract the fish species you are hoping to catch.

The staff at the local bait and tackle shop will always be happy to suggest certain kinds of bait.

Fishing Rods Basics

2006-08-30T09:15:00.000-07:00

A fishing rod is a rod of graphite, fiberglass, steel, wood or bamboo that is used for the purpose of catching fish. Fishing filament, also called fishing line, is threaded through the ferrules (eyes) along the flexible rod. One end winds around a reel, which is located at the base of the pole. The other end of the line has a barbed hook attached to it. This hook is where you place the bait. Your reel has a handle which you turn to reel in the line once a fish has taken the bait.

Fishing rods vary in size between 4 feet (for children) and 16 feet. The average rod is 6 feet in length. The longer the rod, the more force is put on the angler's arms. However, your fishing rod is the backbone of your fishing tackle and you need to choose a rod that is right for you. The length of the rod you choose depends on two things. The first is the species of fish that you wish to catch. The other thing you have to consider is the landscape of the fishing location and the type of water.

If the landscape around your fishing hole has a lot of trees and overhead branches, a short, flexible rod is best. Short strong rods are best for landing game fish. Flexible, thin rods that are 10 to 12 feet in length are best if wind conditions are moderate. Stronger and thicker rods should be used for large, aggressive fish such as northern pike, muskellunge, walleye and Arctic char. These fish would quickly snap a light and more flexible pole. Flexibility, which is the amount that the rod can be bent before breaking, can be determined by the diameter of the pole. Light rods are thin and flexible, while stronger rods are thicker and more rigid.

When you look at a fishing rod, you will see several metal rings that are spaced from the handle to the tip. These are ferrules. They guide your fishing line and help it to cast and retrieve smoothly. The tip ferrule directs your cast. Your rod probably also has a reel seat that helps secure the reel to your rod. The reel seat is placed near the handle grip.

Your rod is the most important tool that you will use while fishing and they come in a wide range of types, styles and lengths. Types of fishing rods include bamboo, fiberglass and graphite.
Bamboo rods can be as basic as an inexpensive pole with a line attached, to very expensive handcrafted rods that are used for fly fishing. Simple bamboo poles are great for kids. Expensive bamboo poles make great fly fishing rods. Bamboo rods run from $5 to hundreds of dollars for handcrafted fly fishing rods. If you are not planning on taking up fly fishing, fiberglass and graphite rods are best.

Fiberglass rods are great for beginners and kids. They come in a variety of lengths and flexibility. They're reasonably priced and it's easy to find a fiberglass rod that will fit your needs. They stand up well and require very little or no maintenance. Experienced anglers prefer graphite rods because they are very lightweight and extremely strong. Graphite is the best of the basic rod types.

If you are just beginning your life as a fisherman, you might consider buying a prepackaged rod and reel, but these are not something you will use once you have a little experience under your belt. If you're not sure you will enjoy fishing, borrow a rod from a family member or friend, instead of investing money in tackle that you may not use for long. More experienced anglers should choose a rod and reel unit over the prepackaged ones.

If you wish to become a successful and skilled angler, you need to choose a fishing rod that compliments your style. Your rod is an extension of your arm and the backbone of your fishing tackle. Choosing a rod doesn't have to be complicated. Take into consideration where and how often you fish. If you're a beginner, buy a reasonably priced rod and reel and then purchase a more expensive one when you've honed your skills.

Do you plan to freshwater or saltwater fish? Freshwater fishing is done in lakes, ponds, rivers and streams that are found in the interior of the country. Saltwater fishing is done in oceans and on the coast. Be sure to choose a rod that is compatible with its job. Though some rods can be used outside of their intended application, it's best to choose a rod that is the right one for the job. This ensures a successful fishing experience.

If you have trouble finding a rod that fits your arms and is as comfortable as a pair of old sneakers, ask a family member or friend who has angling experience to go along to help. Or seek the assistance of the staff at your local fishing store. They'll be glad to give you a few pointers that will help you choose the fishing rod that is right for you.

Basic Fishing Tackle

2006-08-29T10:33:00.000-07:00

If you've decided to take up fishing as a hobby or sport and get out into the fresh air and sunshine, you've made a good choice. Fishing can be very relaxing. It gets you away from the hustle, bustle and stress of daily life and makes you one with nature. Like all other hobbies, sports and activities, there are a few basic things that you will need.

Fishing tackle is fishing equipment you use to get live or artificial bait into the water, dangling in front of the fish. It's not necessary to have a lot of tackle if you are just taking up the sport of fishing, but you do need basic and proper tackle. If you are a Fishing beginner, it's best to keep tackle to a minimum until you hone your skills. Then, and only then is the time to try more advanced tackle.

Rod and Reel
A rod and reel can be purchased at your local fishing store. It's best to buy a lightweight rod because they make it easier for you to tell when you have a bite. Spinner reels are best for beginners. Often, you can purchase a rod and reel as one unit. If you don't want to buy a rod and reel until you've tried the sport, borrow one from a family member or friend. An adult fishing rod should be approximately 6 feet long. A rod for a child will be between 4 and 5 feet long.

Fishing Line
Fishing line, also called monofilament, comes in a wide range of sizes or strengths, which are called pound-test. The larger the pound-test, the stronger the fishing line. For instance, eight pound-test is not as strong as ten pound-test. The trick here is to match your line's pound-test to your rod and reel, the bait you plan to use and the species of fish that you're hoping to catch.

Small, lightweight rods that use spincasting or spinning reels will use a line that is up to six pound-test. If you have a large spinning reel, be sure to use a strong pound-test line. Bait casting reels use a heavier line that can run anywhere from six to thirty pound-test. However, eight to sixteen pound-test is the most popular size of fishing line. Keep in mind that if your line is too heavy, you won't get as many bites or strikes because the fish can see the line. If you're a beginner or if you're using line for kids' rods, eight pound-test is recommended.

Fishing Net
A fishing net isn't an absolute necessity but they do come in handy when you're landing a fish. They're also useful for keeping kids busy when they tire of fishing. They can catch frogs, minnows and tadpoles and discover a whole new world.

Bait
There are several different kinds of bait, both live and artificial. Night crawlers, also known as earthworms, are great for beginners. Instead of buying a dozen, take a flashlight out into the yard after dark when there's dew on the grass and pick your own, or dig them out of your compost heap. Place them in a plastic container that contains a bit of soil and store them in the refrigerator over night. Be sure to punch holes in the lid of the container and make sure the top is secure. Other types of baits include mealworms, kernel corn, grubs and bread balls.

Bobbers
Bobbers are floats that you attach to your fishing line to dangle the bait in front of the fish. They also give extra weight when casting. The bobber sits on the water surface and when it dips into the water, you know you have a bite. Small is better. Use a bobber that has just enough weight to keep your bait from dragging it under the water. The most sensitive bobbers are the pencil style. Round bobbers are less sensitive and therefore it's easier for you to tell if you have a bite using a pencil bobber. However, round bobbers are the easiest to cast. Slip bobbers can be adjusted quickly and easily to allow you to fish at different depths and they're easy to cast. They come in both pencil and round styles and are perfect for beginners and children.

Hooks
Fish hooks come in a wide variety of sizes and styles. If you are planning to use live bait, it's best to buy a variety pack that includes hooks in sizes that range from No. 6 to No. 10. If you are fishing for bullhead or catfish, you will need larger hooks. If you intent to catch and release, fish hook barbs can be flattened. This gives you more of a challenge and inflicts less pain and injury on the fish. Flattening barbs reduces the amount of fish that die because of wounds or because they swallowed the hook. A good rule of thumb to keep this from happening is to use hooks that are compatible with the size of the fish's mouth that you are hoping to catch. If the hook is too small, it is easily swallowed and if it's too large the fish won't take the bait.

Sinkers
Sinkers, or weights as they're sometimes called, come in a variety of sizes and are used to keep your line from floating on the water surface. Split shot sinkers range in size from minute to about the size of the end of a lead pencil, and are the smallest type of weights. Sinkers range from split shot to weights of a pound or more. The most popular and frequently used sinkers are split shot and they are the best weights for beginners and children. When you purchase sinkers be sure they are lead free in order to protect the environment and wildlife species.

Leaders
Fishing leaders are fine pieces of metal with an eye on one end and a small easy to use pin catch on the other. You open this pin to slip a hook or lure onto it. The fishing line is threaded through the eye and knotted. Leaders aren't necessary for beginners or children but are recommended for ease of changing hooks and lures. Leaders are also used when fishing for game fish such as northern pike, muskellunge and walleye. The metal leaders stop these toothy fish from biting through your line.

Swivels
Instead of attaching leaders, hooks and lures to the fishing line, many anglers use a small device called a snap swivel. There is an eye on one end and a pin clip on the other. The fishing line is threaded through the eye and fastened securely with a fishing knot. The pin clip opens much the same as a safety pin and the hook, lure or leader is slipped onto it and the clip pin is closed. Snap swivels protect your line from tangling as your bait moves and spins through the water. Snap swivels allow you to change bait or to change leaders quickly without cutting and re-tying your fishing line.

Fishing Knife
A fishing knife comes in handy if you have to cut snagged or tangled line. They are also used for scaling and cleaning fish. If kids are fishing, give them nail clippers to cut their line.

Needle Nose Pliers
These assist in removing the hook when the fish swallows it.

First Aid Kit
Pack some bandages, peroxide and anti-bacterial ointment in your tackle box to treat cuts and scrapes.

Tackle Box
A tackle box is used for organizing and storing bobbers, hooks, line, lures, leaders and other small items you will need to have a successful fishing experience. Boxes that open from the top and have two trays are great for beginners, children and casual anglers. Tackle boxes often come with a small amount of tackle such as hooks, bobbers, sinkers and artificial worms.

Now that you have your rod, reel and tackle, you are ready to head out to the old fishing hole. Find a nice shady spot on the bank of a creek, pond or stream or on the side of a lake and relax while you wait for that nibble or strike.