Freshwater Lakes & Ponds
Lakes and ponds are great places for fish to live. They produce abundant plant food and offer plenty of cover for fish to hide. Shoreline structures like docks, logs, stumps, brush and rocks provide shelter, shade and protection for fish. Which means they also provide great fishing opportunities for the anxious angler.
You can fish lakes and ponds from the shore or from a boat. You can find fish in shallow or deep water, in open water or near natural or man-made structures. In lakes, you can catch freshwater fish like largemouth and smallmouth bass, pike, pickerel, perch, panfish, trout, even salmon.
Get to know your lake structure. Points, inlets, holes, sunken islands, dams, submerged objects (manmade or natural) and reeds and weeds are all considered structure. You should always fish in and around structure. It's a simple formula.
* Structure creates shallows
* Shallows create plant growth
* Plant growth attracts bait fish
* Bait fish attract game fish, the fish you want to catch
Cliffs and Steep Shore Banks
A shear cliff or bank that goes straight down into deep water provides no structure, break line or gradual path to deeper water. So it doesn't attract fish. On the other hand, a cliff or bank that has an underwater shelf or slopes gradually toward deeper water does attract fish. You should also look for crumbled-off rock at the underwater base of sharp cliffs. Deep-water fish may be attracted to these rocks for food or spawning.
Rocks
Rocks are structure. They provide fish with shelter (cover), food and a possible place to mate. Remember, always fish structure. If the rocks are in deeper water or on the edge of deeper water, they provide an even better place to fish. Just don't snag your bait.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
FISHING TECHNIQUES 4
Jigging
Jig fishing is popular and challenging. Why? Because the person fishing is creating the action that attracts, or doesn’t attract, the particular type of fish he or she is trying to catch. Here’s how it works. Cast out and let your jig hook sink to the bottom. Then use your rod tip to raise the bait about a foot off the bottom. Then let it drop back to the bottom. You can jig up and down, side to side or up and down and sideways. Jig rigs come in all sizes, shapes and colors, and can be used with or without live bait.
Jig and Worm
Attach a worm to your jig hook and use it to bottom hop or sweep through your target area. To bottom hop, cast to the target and let the jig sink. Then reel in slowly, twitching the rod with every third or fourth turn of your reel. To sweep, cast to the target and drag the jig parallel to the bottom while reeling with a fairly tight line. Slow and steady gets the fish when you’re sweeping with a jig and worm.
Ice Fishing
Fishing through a three-foot hole in the ice? Yup. It’s a unique way to catch multiple species of northern, fresh-water fish. And thanks to advancements in garment design, portable fish houses and fish locating devices, it’s becoming more and more popular every day. One- to three-foot rods are most often used and simple reels hold the line. You can also ice fish with tip-ups. When a fish hits your tip-up gear, it releases a lever that raises a flag or rings a bell. This means you should stop playing cards with your buddies and start reeling.
Many fisherman fish with no protective structure other than their winter clothes. Longer fishing expeditions can be mounted with simple structures. Larger, heated structures can make multiday fishing trips possible, but these are often eschewed by seasoned fishers, many of whom do not use these larger shelters. In other words, they think they are wimpy.
For those who are game for a cozier experience, a structure with various local names, but often called an ice shanty, ice shack or just plain shack, fish house, bob house, or ice hut, is sometimes used. These are dragged or trailered onto the lake using a vehicle such as a snowmobile, ATV or truck. The two most commonly used houses are portable and permanent shelters. The portable houses are usually made of a heavy, watertight material. The permanent shelters are made of wood or metal and usually have wheels for easy transportation. They can be as basic as a bunk, heater and holes or as elaborate as having satellite TV, bathrooms, stoves, and full-size beds, and may appear to be more like a mobile home than a fishing house.
Ice Fishing Basics: Setting Up Traditional Ice Fishing Tip Up
Courtesy of ExpertVillage.com
Fishing From Boats
Big or small, motorized or outfitted with paddles, a boat simply allows you to cover more water. But for most folks, a boat simply makes fishing a lot more fun. The boat you choose should be based on where you want to fish and what kind of fish you’re stalking. Some boats are better on rivers, streams and ponds. And some are best used on large bodies of water. Choose your boat wisely and follow the rules.
* Know your boat and how to handle it.
* The water you’re in contains hazards such as submerged trees and rocks.
* Watch the weather conditions and follow emergency procedures.
* Always carry safety devices and know how to use them.
* The boat operator is legally responsible for the boat and the safety of those on board.
* Understand the rules of navigation, the courtesies of safe boating and always complete a boater safety course prior to operating a boat for the first time.
Catch and Release
Catch and release was first introduced in Michigan in 1952, as a way to reduce the cost of stocking hatchery-raised trout. Since then, conservationists and sport fisherman alike have promoted catch and release to ensure sustainability and avoid over fishing. Proper catch and release fishing techniques also reduce fish fighting and handling times and help avoid damage to fish skin, scales and slime layers— damage that can leave fish vulnerable to fungal skin infections.
Here are some simple rules.
* Don't keep a fish out of water longer than you can hold your breath.
* Never tear a hook out of the fish. Make or purchase an efficient hook remover.
* If a fish loses consciousness, try to revive it by gently moving it forward and backward so water moves through its gills.
* When the fish begins to struggle and can swim, let it go.
http://www.fishfindergarage.com/
Jig fishing is popular and challenging. Why? Because the person fishing is creating the action that attracts, or doesn’t attract, the particular type of fish he or she is trying to catch. Here’s how it works. Cast out and let your jig hook sink to the bottom. Then use your rod tip to raise the bait about a foot off the bottom. Then let it drop back to the bottom. You can jig up and down, side to side or up and down and sideways. Jig rigs come in all sizes, shapes and colors, and can be used with or without live bait.
Jig and Worm
Attach a worm to your jig hook and use it to bottom hop or sweep through your target area. To bottom hop, cast to the target and let the jig sink. Then reel in slowly, twitching the rod with every third or fourth turn of your reel. To sweep, cast to the target and drag the jig parallel to the bottom while reeling with a fairly tight line. Slow and steady gets the fish when you’re sweeping with a jig and worm.
Ice Fishing
Fishing through a three-foot hole in the ice? Yup. It’s a unique way to catch multiple species of northern, fresh-water fish. And thanks to advancements in garment design, portable fish houses and fish locating devices, it’s becoming more and more popular every day. One- to three-foot rods are most often used and simple reels hold the line. You can also ice fish with tip-ups. When a fish hits your tip-up gear, it releases a lever that raises a flag or rings a bell. This means you should stop playing cards with your buddies and start reeling.
Many fisherman fish with no protective structure other than their winter clothes. Longer fishing expeditions can be mounted with simple structures. Larger, heated structures can make multiday fishing trips possible, but these are often eschewed by seasoned fishers, many of whom do not use these larger shelters. In other words, they think they are wimpy.
For those who are game for a cozier experience, a structure with various local names, but often called an ice shanty, ice shack or just plain shack, fish house, bob house, or ice hut, is sometimes used. These are dragged or trailered onto the lake using a vehicle such as a snowmobile, ATV or truck. The two most commonly used houses are portable and permanent shelters. The portable houses are usually made of a heavy, watertight material. The permanent shelters are made of wood or metal and usually have wheels for easy transportation. They can be as basic as a bunk, heater and holes or as elaborate as having satellite TV, bathrooms, stoves, and full-size beds, and may appear to be more like a mobile home than a fishing house.
Ice Fishing Basics: Setting Up Traditional Ice Fishing Tip Up
Courtesy of ExpertVillage.com
Fishing From Boats
Big or small, motorized or outfitted with paddles, a boat simply allows you to cover more water. But for most folks, a boat simply makes fishing a lot more fun. The boat you choose should be based on where you want to fish and what kind of fish you’re stalking. Some boats are better on rivers, streams and ponds. And some are best used on large bodies of water. Choose your boat wisely and follow the rules.
* Know your boat and how to handle it.
* The water you’re in contains hazards such as submerged trees and rocks.
* Watch the weather conditions and follow emergency procedures.
* Always carry safety devices and know how to use them.
* The boat operator is legally responsible for the boat and the safety of those on board.
* Understand the rules of navigation, the courtesies of safe boating and always complete a boater safety course prior to operating a boat for the first time.
Catch and Release
Catch and release was first introduced in Michigan in 1952, as a way to reduce the cost of stocking hatchery-raised trout. Since then, conservationists and sport fisherman alike have promoted catch and release to ensure sustainability and avoid over fishing. Proper catch and release fishing techniques also reduce fish fighting and handling times and help avoid damage to fish skin, scales and slime layers— damage that can leave fish vulnerable to fungal skin infections.
Here are some simple rules.
* Don't keep a fish out of water longer than you can hold your breath.
* Never tear a hook out of the fish. Make or purchase an efficient hook remover.
* If a fish loses consciousness, try to revive it by gently moving it forward and backward so water moves through its gills.
* When the fish begins to struggle and can swim, let it go.
http://www.fishfindergarage.com/
Friday, July 17, 2009
Sea bass with roasted pepper vinaigrette BBQ recipe
Ingredients
For the vinaigrette
* 3 bell peppers, preferably red, yellow, and orange
* 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
* 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
* 2 tablespoons finely chopped Italian parsley
* 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
* 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
* 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
* 4 skinless sea bass fillets, about 6 ounces each and 1 inch thick
* Extra-virgin olive oil
* Kosher salt
* Freshly ground black pepper
Method
To make the vinaigrette: Grill the bell peppers over Direct High heat until the skins are evenly charred on all sides, 10 to 12 minutes, turning every 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the grill and place in a paper bag; close tightly. Let stand 10 to 15 minutes to steam off the skins. Remove the peppers from the bag and peel away the charred skins. Cut off the tops and remove the seeds. Cut the peppers into 1/4-inch strips and set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together the remaining vinaigrette ingredients. Add the peppers and set aside for as long as 1 day.
Lightly brush or spray the fish fillets with olive oil. Season them with salt and pepper to taste. Grill over Direct High heat until the flesh is opaque in the centre, 5 to 7 minutes, turning once halfway through grilling time. Remove from the grill and serve warm with the roasted pepper vinaigrette spooned over the top.
Makes 4 servings.
http://www.fishfindergarage.com/
For the vinaigrette
* 3 bell peppers, preferably red, yellow, and orange
* 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
* 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
* 2 tablespoons finely chopped Italian parsley
* 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
* 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
* 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
* 4 skinless sea bass fillets, about 6 ounces each and 1 inch thick
* Extra-virgin olive oil
* Kosher salt
* Freshly ground black pepper
Method
To make the vinaigrette: Grill the bell peppers over Direct High heat until the skins are evenly charred on all sides, 10 to 12 minutes, turning every 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the grill and place in a paper bag; close tightly. Let stand 10 to 15 minutes to steam off the skins. Remove the peppers from the bag and peel away the charred skins. Cut off the tops and remove the seeds. Cut the peppers into 1/4-inch strips and set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together the remaining vinaigrette ingredients. Add the peppers and set aside for as long as 1 day.
Lightly brush or spray the fish fillets with olive oil. Season them with salt and pepper to taste. Grill over Direct High heat until the flesh is opaque in the centre, 5 to 7 minutes, turning once halfway through grilling time. Remove from the grill and serve warm with the roasted pepper vinaigrette spooned over the top.
Makes 4 servings.
http://www.fishfindergarage.com/
Monday, June 29, 2009
FISHING TECHNIQUES 3
Live Lining
Your line is “live” when your boat is anchored in a flowing body of water like a river or stream. Use live or prepared baits and keep them on or just off the bottom. Live lining off the bottom allows your line to drift with the current through holes and rocks where the fish may be holding. Your equipment and the size of your hooks and lures depend on what type of fish you’re after.
Chumming
To attract fish or get them biting again, you can throw “chum” into the water where you’re fishing. You can use ground-up bait fish, canned sweet corn, dead minnows in a coffee can (for ice fishing), pet food, even breakfast cereal. Or stir up some natural chum by scraping the bottom with a boat oar. Be sure not to over-chum. You want to get them interested in feeding; you do not want to stuff them before they get a chance to go after your hook. Chumming is not legal in all states. Check local fishing regulations to make sure you are not illegally stimulating the hunger of your future catch.
Bottom Bouncing
Bottom Bouncing is done from a drifting or trolling boat, and it’s a great way to attract or locate fish during most seasons and times of day. Use a buck tail jig or natural bait and drag it along the bottom. The dragging motion causes the lure to bounce along stirring up small clouds of sand or mud. After a few strikes with bottom bouncing, you can drop anchor and apply other methods to hook the particular kind of species you’ve attracted.
Trolling
Most trolling is done using a small electric motor that moves the boat quietly through the water so fish aren’t spooked. But you can also troll by towing a lure while walking along the edge of a shoreline, bridge or pier. The speed of the boat determines the depth of your bait. And the depth of the bait is determined by the species of fish you’re trying to catch. Use a spinning reel or a bait caster for trolling. Some states don’t allow motorized trolling, so check out your local fishing regulations to avoid tangling with the fish enforcers.
http://www.fishfindergarage.com/
Your line is “live” when your boat is anchored in a flowing body of water like a river or stream. Use live or prepared baits and keep them on or just off the bottom. Live lining off the bottom allows your line to drift with the current through holes and rocks where the fish may be holding. Your equipment and the size of your hooks and lures depend on what type of fish you’re after.
Chumming
To attract fish or get them biting again, you can throw “chum” into the water where you’re fishing. You can use ground-up bait fish, canned sweet corn, dead minnows in a coffee can (for ice fishing), pet food, even breakfast cereal. Or stir up some natural chum by scraping the bottom with a boat oar. Be sure not to over-chum. You want to get them interested in feeding; you do not want to stuff them before they get a chance to go after your hook. Chumming is not legal in all states. Check local fishing regulations to make sure you are not illegally stimulating the hunger of your future catch.
Bottom Bouncing
Bottom Bouncing is done from a drifting or trolling boat, and it’s a great way to attract or locate fish during most seasons and times of day. Use a buck tail jig or natural bait and drag it along the bottom. The dragging motion causes the lure to bounce along stirring up small clouds of sand or mud. After a few strikes with bottom bouncing, you can drop anchor and apply other methods to hook the particular kind of species you’ve attracted.
Trolling
Most trolling is done using a small electric motor that moves the boat quietly through the water so fish aren’t spooked. But you can also troll by towing a lure while walking along the edge of a shoreline, bridge or pier. The speed of the boat determines the depth of your bait. And the depth of the bait is determined by the species of fish you’re trying to catch. Use a spinning reel or a bait caster for trolling. Some states don’t allow motorized trolling, so check out your local fishing regulations to avoid tangling with the fish enforcers.
http://www.fishfindergarage.com/
Friday, June 19, 2009
FISHING TECHNIQUES 2
Fly Fishing
With fly fishing, various materials are used to design a very lightweight lure called a fly. Fish think the fly is an insect and they take the bait on, or just above, the surface of the water. It takes a little practice, but fly fishing is a pure and exciting way to fish.
Unlike other casting methods, fly fishing can be thought of as a method of casting line rather than lure. Non-fly fishing methods rely on a lure's weight to pull line from the reel during the forward motion of a cast. By design, a fly is too light to be cast, and thus simply follows the unfurling of a properly cast fly line, which is heavier and casts easier than lines used in other types of fishing. The angler normally holds the fly rod in the dominant hand and manipulates the line with the other close to the reel, pulling line out in small increments as the energy in the line, generated from backward and forward motions, increases.
Still Fishing
Still fishing is a versatile way to go. You can do it from a pier, a bridge, an anchored boat or from shore. You can still fish on the bottom or off the bottom in ponds, lakes, rivers and streams for a variety of species. And you can still fish during most seasons and during any part of the day. Your equipment and the size of the hooks and bait you use depends on what kind of fish you¹re after. But your best equipment for still fishing is patience. You have to wait for the fish to bite.
Drift Fishing
Drift fishing allows you to fish over a variety of habitatsas your boat drifts with the currents or wind movement. You can drift fish on the bottom or change the depth with a bobber or float. Natural baits work best. But jigs, lures and artificial flies will produce good results, too. You can drift fish on ponds, lakes, rivers and streams any time of the day and year.
http://www.fishfindergarage.com/
With fly fishing, various materials are used to design a very lightweight lure called a fly. Fish think the fly is an insect and they take the bait on, or just above, the surface of the water. It takes a little practice, but fly fishing is a pure and exciting way to fish.
Unlike other casting methods, fly fishing can be thought of as a method of casting line rather than lure. Non-fly fishing methods rely on a lure's weight to pull line from the reel during the forward motion of a cast. By design, a fly is too light to be cast, and thus simply follows the unfurling of a properly cast fly line, which is heavier and casts easier than lines used in other types of fishing. The angler normally holds the fly rod in the dominant hand and manipulates the line with the other close to the reel, pulling line out in small increments as the energy in the line, generated from backward and forward motions, increases.
Still Fishing
Still fishing is a versatile way to go. You can do it from a pier, a bridge, an anchored boat or from shore. You can still fish on the bottom or off the bottom in ponds, lakes, rivers and streams for a variety of species. And you can still fish during most seasons and during any part of the day. Your equipment and the size of the hooks and bait you use depends on what kind of fish you¹re after. But your best equipment for still fishing is patience. You have to wait for the fish to bite.
Drift Fishing
Drift fishing allows you to fish over a variety of habitatsas your boat drifts with the currents or wind movement. You can drift fish on the bottom or change the depth with a bobber or float. Natural baits work best. But jigs, lures and artificial flies will produce good results, too. You can drift fish on ponds, lakes, rivers and streams any time of the day and year.
http://www.fishfindergarage.com/
Friday, June 12, 2009
Baked Yogurt Tilapia
Ingredients:
4 Tilapia filets
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard.
4 table spoons mayonnaise
1 Lemon
1/3 teaspoon black or white pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper
Few pieces cornflakes
1/2 cup white wine
50gr. Butter
Salt to taste
For the yogurt souse:
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
3 tablespoons yogurt
White pepper, lemon juice and dill to taste
Directions:
Rinse the filets and dry them. Pour the juice of one lemon over them and season with salt and peppers.
In a baking dish pour the white wine and place the fish filets. Smear with mustard and mayonnaise. Place pieces of butter and cornflakes over each of them and bake for 20 minutes in 200°C oven.
For the yogurt souse just mix all the ingredients.
Serve with vegetables and white wine.
http://www.fishfindergarage.com/
4 Tilapia filets
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard.
4 table spoons mayonnaise
1 Lemon
1/3 teaspoon black or white pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper
Few pieces cornflakes
1/2 cup white wine
50gr. Butter
Salt to taste
For the yogurt souse:
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
3 tablespoons yogurt
White pepper, lemon juice and dill to taste
Directions:
Rinse the filets and dry them. Pour the juice of one lemon over them and season with salt and peppers.
In a baking dish pour the white wine and place the fish filets. Smear with mustard and mayonnaise. Place pieces of butter and cornflakes over each of them and bake for 20 minutes in 200°C oven.
For the yogurt souse just mix all the ingredients.
Serve with vegetables and white wine.
http://www.fishfindergarage.com/
Friday, June 5, 2009
FISHING TECHNIQUES 1
Bait Casting
Bait casting is a style of fishing that relies on the weight of the lure to extend the line into the target area. Bait casting involves a revolving-spool reel (or “free spool”) mounted on the topside of the rod. Bait casting is definitely an acquired skill. Once you get the hang of the technique (check out the casting animation), you will be casting your lures right on target into the structures where fish are feeding and hanging out.
With bait casting, you can use larger lures (1/2 to 3/4) and cast them for longer distances. To get started, you’ll need a rod with good spring action, a good quality anti-backlash reel, 10–15 pound test line and a variety of specific bait casting lures.
Spin Casting
We won’t say it’s foolproof, but spin casting is an ideal fishing method for beginning anglers. Spin-casting equipment is easier to use than bait casting. You can use it to cast both light and heavy lures without tangling or breaking your line. Basic equipment includes a 7-foot rod, a spinning reel and 6–10 pound test line for casting 1/16 to 3/4 ounce lures. You can use an open-face, closed-face or spin-cast reel for spin casting.
http://www.fishfindergarage.com/
Bait casting is a style of fishing that relies on the weight of the lure to extend the line into the target area. Bait casting involves a revolving-spool reel (or “free spool”) mounted on the topside of the rod. Bait casting is definitely an acquired skill. Once you get the hang of the technique (check out the casting animation), you will be casting your lures right on target into the structures where fish are feeding and hanging out.
With bait casting, you can use larger lures (1/2 to 3/4) and cast them for longer distances. To get started, you’ll need a rod with good spring action, a good quality anti-backlash reel, 10–15 pound test line and a variety of specific bait casting lures.
Spin Casting
We won’t say it’s foolproof, but spin casting is an ideal fishing method for beginning anglers. Spin-casting equipment is easier to use than bait casting. You can use it to cast both light and heavy lures without tangling or breaking your line. Basic equipment includes a 7-foot rod, a spinning reel and 6–10 pound test line for casting 1/16 to 3/4 ounce lures. You can use an open-face, closed-face or spin-cast reel for spin casting.
http://www.fishfindergarage.com/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
