Fishing Secrets To Catch Winter Pike

A pike by definition is a kind of fish that is mainly found in the northern region of America, and northern hemisphere in general. It is common to find the pike fish in Europe, Dakota and Russia. Most fishermen describe the pike as one of the most exciting and adventurous fish to catch, especially during winter. Fishing for other types of fish is quite a hustle especially during the winter, as the fish tend to shut down and hide. The pike however is different because even with the change of weather it is still readily available in most lakes.

The winter period is characterized by ice, even on the surface of large water bodies where fishing is done. Fishing for the pike fish thus require some tips, especially when done during the winter period. According to devotees of pike fishing, the major secret behind pike fishing is to be able to locate the actual location of the fish and be able to attract the pike fish with food.

On the onset of the winter season, the bigger pike fish is easily found in shallow waters. The explanation for this is because during this period, Whitefish and Tulibees are found in shallow water at this time and form very good meals for the pike fish. One of the secrets therefore that is used to catch the pike fish during the winter season is to ensure that one gets there early, so that by the time the pike fish comes out to enjoy its meal for the day, it is caught.

Different lakes have different sizes of pike fish. This variation in size is brought by the nature of the habitat a particular lake provides to the pike fish. An ideal habitat will facilitate growth of fish and vice versa. One may wonder why there should be tips of catching the pike fish. Why can’t the ordinary methods of fishing be used? The answer is rather simple. Although they may be easier to catch, they are not easy to locate especially during the winter and that’s the reason why one must have some fishing tips to be able to catch the pike fish. In addition, pike fish keep moving from the fishing line one too many times making the work rather tiresome. It is thus a challenge though adventurous and exciting to catch the pike fish.

As already mentioned, the pike fish feeds on Whitefish and Tulibee which are types of fish. This means that the pike fish is a carnivorous kind of fish. The pike fish is one kind of fish that behaves strangely. Besides eating other kinds of fish, it sometimes feeds on rats, mice and other small rodents and has also been spotted feeding on the young ones of a duck and even other pike fish! Pike fish are fierce in nature and have the characters of predators.

It is the aggression that the pike fish have that makes pike fishing adventurous and fun. Catching pike fish during winter is more fun and exciting. Besides the manner in which the pike fish are caught during this season, it is also the only fish that is readily available in most lakes during the cold winter season.

However, pike fish is not only available during the cold season but is actually available all round the year and that makes it more preferable to other types of fish that are available seasonally.

by Daniel Eggertsen


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Enhancing The Fishing Experience - Sky Is Certainly Not The Limit When Its bass Fishing…

Fishing is one of the oldest activities known to man. Archaeologists have found ancient dumps of shell and bone, cave paintings depicting fishing and even hooks made from bone. There is even a theory that states we might be closer to the fish we try and catch than we think. The “Aquatic Ape Hypothesis” contends that human beings spent a time living by and catching their food from the shallows of lakes and oceans. The controversial theory contends years of living that helped us to look different from the apes and chimpanzees thought by some to be our ancestors because of this time evolving by water.

So, is there a best time to be fishing? I know, I know, the best time to be fishing is “anytime we can”, but are there times during the day, week, and/or month that are better than others for fishing? There most certainly are, and in this article I’m going to discuss what makes this the case. Many anglers catch many less fish than they should simply because they are fishing at the wrong time.

The best time to be fishing has a lot to do with two factors of Mother Nature. That’s right Mother Nature, rather than your bait or lures choice, holds the key to the best time to be fishing. Most anglers don’t realize this and completely take Mother Nature for granted, at least as far as fishing is concerned. Well, not after reading this article.

After reading this article, you’ll be much more able to determine the best time to be fishing. Texas offers a lot of fishing clubs where people who have the passion for fishing can try their hand out.

There are also various tournaments where fishing is played as a sport to figure out the fishers skills as such and tournament money makes the event bigger and better.

Websites offer details about the fishing tournaments, events, fishing techniques, materials, and lots more to keep fishing on the faster note.

Tired of not catching anything? Spend lots of time and money trying to catch fish? No doubt, there is a lot of information on Texas fishing available. These sites are a way to know when to fish in Texas according to theories behind sun and moon phases. Based on research by fishermen who studied the sun theory has come up with four optimum moments in any given day? Data clearly points to sun rise, sun set, moon rise and moon set as the most important factors. The simple rise and set of both the sun and moon has far more impact than any other daily sun or moon position. That is the single most important daily triggering factor of both fish and game.

By using this Texas Prime Times fishing calendar and feeding tables, you can optimize your fishing time to have the best conditions and most favorable chances of catching bigger fish. This will help you save time and money by fishing at the right time, making your trips more meaningful.

A special breed of angler flocks to this nook of the world, where fishing lore is born. Texas fishing legend is home to great bass fishing. Texas’s fishing bounty is so rich it continues to feed many nearby states.

Every fisherman dreams of the day he or she can make the pilgrimage to the fabled Texas Fishing Mecca. Living your Texas fishing guide dream doesn’t have to wait any longer. It’s more affordable than you realize

When sport fishermen mention the best, they are talking about Texas Bass Fishing. It’s pole-busting, reel screaming, line-burning action…angler vs. fish…no-holds-barred, heart-pounding excitement.

by Abhishek Agarwal


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Sports Fishing In Miami - Fun Vacation For Your Family

kites, bottom fishing which targets fish dwelling in the bottom of the waters and fishing for wreck fish has also become a craze.

At stake for the Miami sportsfishing are the voracious amberjacks, tasty mackerel, predating barracuda and the silvery-grey blackfin. Other fish like Bonita, Coia, snapper, sailfish, wahoo, tarpon, and snook are fair catches all throughout the year. There are also some dolphin, kingfish and groupers to complete your day. These different species provide the fishing enthusiasts a very good reason to troop to Miami, Florida and have a taste of sportsfishing.

The big ones which round up the list of fish to watch out for in Florida are the Hogfish also known as Capitaine, the weird looking Tripletail, the huge Jack Crevalle and oftentimes dangerous shark. If caught, these group of big fish will indeed make an interesting topic for discussion by fishermen of all ages.

Miami is not just for veteran anglers who are into sportsfishing. Aficionados of sportsfishing from the young ones and neophytes to the older or more experienced ones can explore different fishing grounds and catch fish both inshore and offshore. Those who prefer in shore fishing, the catch might be in form of the delicious Spanish Mackerel, Croaker ( also known as King Billy, grumbler or hardhead), the flat-shaped flounder, Grunt, the estuary fish Seatrout, the gray or black colored Black Drum, the colourful Spadefish, the Tarpon, Crevalle and Amberjack. For those who are into offshore fishing, what is in store is the delectable Blue Marlin. The magnificent Sailfish, the agile Wahoo, the Skip Jack Tuna, has several other names like victor fish and aku, the extraordinary Mako, Atlantic Sharpnose Shark and the huge Longbill Spearfish.

The peak seasons for the different types of fishing vary with offshore events usually done in the winter time and fishing is better in the afternoons. For the summer season, it is best to try one's luck and pit one's skills by going fishing in the late afternoons and at dawn. Different methods are also employed to catch a certain variety of fish such kitefishing for Billfish. This is a method wherein baits are attached to the kites which are flown from an electric reel affixed behind the boat.

Miami has a lot to offer to sportsfishing enthusiasts. The challenge of catching the big gamefish and the adventure that comes with the effort to land a catch worthy of earning bragging rights is something to behold. South Beach in Miami can claim that it is where the greatest deep-sea game fish are located. An enthusiast will not go wrong if he books a fishing expedition with the following fishing charter companies:

Winning Ticket, Fine Line Charters, BackYonder, Ace Monster Fishing, Top Dog Sport fishing, Fishing Adventure Charters, Ace Monster Fishing, Seacross Sport fishing, Inc and Caught Lookin Charters. If you want sharks or hammerhead or stingray, Miami sports fishing is it!

by Abhishek Agarwal


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3 Ways To Cook Freshly Caught Fish

You can cook a freshly caught fish in dozens of ways. Most anglers have their unique style of cooking freshly caught salmon, trout, or any other fish. In fact, anglers all over the country are a rich source of information on how to cook freshly caught fish. The following tips will help you create mouth-watering dishes with the fish that you have just caught.

1. Fried Fish

One of the best ways to cook freshly caught fish is to bread it and fry it. The aroma of fish frying in butter is almost too good to be true, and the sight of a fisherman flipping his catch in the frying pan is awe-inspiring.

If you are an amateur, ensure that the butter is very hot, but not burning hot. Also, ensure that you have completely coated the fish with batter. You can season your batter with as much salt and pepper as you wish. In addition, you can also experiment with other spices and herb to produce a really srumptious dish.

2. Grilled Fish

At first, grilling seems to be the easiest method of cooking fish. An amateur, especially, might make the mistake of thinking that the experience of grilling fish is similar to that of grilling meat.

Amateurs will soon learn that fish tends to give some trouble when it is being grilled. It releases some juice when it is cooked, unlike chicken or steak. When you are grilling fish for the first time, you might let the delicious juice drip into the burning coals. This could reduce the quality of the dish you are preparing.

To avoid loss of moisture, give the fish a coating of oil. Oil serves to trap the moisture within the fish. Instead of giving the fish a coating of oil, you can pack it in an aluminum foil, which serves to prevent the loss of moisture from the fish. It also enables the marinating of fish in its own delicious juice. You can also put some spices and herbs inside the foil so that you can get grilled fish that tastes wonderful.

Keep a sharp watch on the fish and turn it over when it is half done. You can make a cut into the fish to find out the extent to which it is cooked. After flipping the fish over, watch it carefully, and remove it when it is perfectly cooked.

3. Baked Fish

If you don’t have the time to watch fish while it is cooking, you had better go in for baking. Prepare the marinade for the fish and heat your oven. Simply place the marinated fish into the pre-heated oven for a short while. You might have to check the fish from time to time in order to avoid overcooking.

Irrespective of the type of freshly caught fish, a good recipe coupled with skillful cooking can give you a simply delicious dish. Fish that is badly cooked can spoil your fishing trip. So take your time with regard to cooking the fish. The golden rule of cooking fish is not to overcook it because overcooking simply ruins the dish.

by Abhishek Agarwal


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Catch and Release Fishing - What you Should Know

Sorting out relevant information on any topic is very difficult but this article on fishing tries to put all the relevant information about fishing at one place.

Being interested in fishing means that you must be eager to gain as much information on fishing as possible. To make things easier for you, we have this article for you having all the relevant information on fishing.

When we decided on writing this article on fishing, we knew that we could provide our readers with something which would be different from what was being presented to them. And now when you are reading this article, you would have to decide on our success.

Fishing is a sport, but it has become less about survival and more about fun in recent decades. There is an issue of fish becoming depleted and many anglers are now employing the practice of catch and release fishing. Catch and release fishing is a great theory, but many people are doing it incorrectly and as a result many fish are dying. A few steps should be followed when trying to catch and release a fish. Once you get the hang of how to do it correctly, you will be able to enjoy your hobby and keep the population of fish full in your favorite stream or lake.

Article reading is something which is done to gain knowledge and information about a particular topic and if these means are not achieved then reading the article would be a waste of time. Now, when you are reading this article on fishing, how would you rate the time spent in reading it?

The best place to start is with the hooks. A fish that has a hole through its mouth is going to be more likely to survive than a fish with a hole in its lung or gill. If you happen to hook a fish in the gut, the best thing to do is to cut off the hook as much as you can then release the fish. Many times the hook will dissolve and the fish will spit it out, but they can also live with a rusted hook hanging from them. Whatever you do, do not tug on your line to pull a hook out or you will severely hurt the fish. If you are able to easily remove the hook, use a pair of needle nose pliers. The process of pulling the hook out is easier if you remove the barbs from the hooks, but try not to wiggle while you pull the hook out.

Learning is a continuous process and you can never claim that you everything worth knowing about any topic and we think that you must have realized this when you have started reading this article.

Fish are obviously unable to survive outside of the water. Therefore, the longer that it takes you to release them, the more it becomes as if you are suffocating them. The way that a fish is gripped when out of the water will make a big difference. For instance, avoid touch a fish's body with your bare hands. The fish have a slimy protective coat that will be stripped if you touch them with your hands. If you have to touch a fish, make sure that your hands are wet. You may want to wear gloves to protect your hands from cuts or permeating fish smells.

It goes without saying that you are interested in fishing and that is what prompted you to read this article. It is now for you decide if your effort has been fruitful or not.

Part of the fun in fishing is to "play out" the fish. The struggle can be what some anglers wait all day to do. Fish are like humans; when they "work out," they build up lactic acid. When you are fighting a fish, they are fighting too. Just like when someone works his or her body out and it feels sore, a fish experiences the same thing. The build up of lactic acid can be toxic to a fish even days later. Therefore, if you are going to practice catch and release, try to keep the struggle to a minimum.

Hasn't this article made you aware of the fact that so much information existed on fishing and that you were unaware of even the fact that you were unaware of it?

Try not to let a fish flop around when you catch them. A fish that flops around can bruise or damage its internal organs, causing them to die later from the injuries that are incurred. You can also revive a fish if you need to do so. A fish is likely to run out of oxygen and pass out, so to speak. In order to revive a fish, you place the fish in the water with their belly down and gently grasp their tail. Start to slowly move their tail back and forth until they give you the signal that they are ready to take off into the water. Sometimes you will need to repeat the process more than once, but don't let a fish go until they are ready. A fish that is not ready to swim could get carried away and swept into rocks or embankment and cause serious injury.

More than anything, when you are practicing catch and release, have everything ready to go. Make sure that your camera, pliers, and gloves are in reaching distance. Try to take the precautions necessary to preserve fish and one of America's favorite pastimes.

Are you looking for some inside information on fishing? Here’s an up-to-date report from fishing experts who should know.

by Sinta Makah


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Those Wily Canadian Walleye Fish

Walleye fishermen are a breed of their own. They may go out on weekend and catch a ton of those Walleyes. Yet next weekend or the next fishing trip to Canada - everything is exactly the same and yet they come back after a full day or evening or fishing empty handed. Walleye fish can bit like crazy one day, and then disappear almost invisibly over the next fortnight. For no apparent reason what so ever. And it’s to the fishing gods. Once gone - these Walleye fish - these wonderful Walleye fish - nothing but nothing can bring them back or change their determined and wily brains. Not for love, not for money, not for experience on the fishing trails of life. Nothing it seems will bring back Walleye fish when they decide not to prevail.

But, in spite of, or perhaps for these very reasons, of their unpredictable or even elusive behaviors, walleyes rank among the most popular of game fish - whether it is in the northern US states such as Minnesota, North Dakota or Wisconsin or up in Ontario or Manitoba Canada. Some fisherman or anglers choose walleye fish and fishing themselves for the challenge alone. It can be said by less dedicated or avid fisherman that it is their choice of fishes mainly because walleye fillets make for ultra prime table fare.

Walleye fish have become more widespread geographically not only because of their inherent difficulty as a caught fish but also as a result of widespread fish stocking programs they are now found in almost every state and province. It has even been tried and attempted to introduce walleyes outside North America. Such are the lure of these wonderful Walleye game fish and the challenges of Walleye fishing.

Two subspecies of walleyes have been identified in North America: the yellow walleye and the blue walleye or blue pike. The blue Walleye or blue pike species is extinct currently. All that remains to fish in the wild are the yellow walleye species. These are commonly referred to simply as “Walleye”. Since it is the only type of Walleye fish still around for anglers to go after and pursue.

In terms of coloration and coloration yellow walleyes usually have an olive-green back, golden sides and a white belly. Distinctive markings include a milky-white tip on the lower lobe of the tail and a black blotch at the rear base of the spiny dorsal fin.

In many waters, fishermen mistake the walleye for its close relative - the Auger fish. To tell the two apart it is wise to know that Saugers have a distinctly different coloration and do not grow anywhere near as large as walleye fish. To further complicate matters, walleyes and saugers sometimes mingle and hybridize, producing an offspring, who has named or nicknamed “saugeye”. These saugeye fish can be said to appear with characteristics, colorations and markings intermediate between each of the two parent fish - walleye fish and sauger fish. Luckily walleye and their close relatives - the sauger fish, have no other North American relatives. However, walleyes are closely related to the European zander fish, or pike-perch. It can be said that in comparison the two look remarkably similar but that walleyes distribute their eggs are random while their close relatives - while zander fish are nest builders.

The walleye’s common names lead to much confusion among fisherman - even avid experienced anglers. In much of Canada, walleyes are called pickerel, jackfish or Dore, the French name for the species. In the United States they are often called “Walleyed Pike”. But then again that name is a misnomer because Walleyes belong not to the pike family but instead to the perch fish family.

However no matter what a walleye is a walleye fish and no matter what a bad day spent trying to catch those elusive walleyes is always better than the best day spent at the office back in the city.

by Jadran N. Transcona


When Fish Make you Sick

To eat or not to eat-this was Arebonto’s dilemma. He knew the risk, but he was hungry. And the barbecued fish smelled delicious. His appetite won out. But the rapid onset of nausea and abdominal pain followed by vomiting and diarrhea made him wish he had not eaten the fish.

By the time friends rushed Arebonto to the hospital on his small Pacific island, he was semiconscious and dehydrated and had chest pains, dangerously low blood pressure, and a slow pulse. Over the next few days, in addition to headaches, dizziness, and fatigue, he experienced numbness in his legs, painful urination, and a strange sensory reversal whereby cold felt hot and hot felt cold. After eight days his pulse rate stabilized, but numbness and fatigue persisted for weeks.

Arebonto had fallen victim to potent, naturally occurring toxins that contaminate otherwise normally edible tropical reef fish. The condition, known as ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP), occurs in tropical and subtropical regions of the Indian and Pacific oceans and in the Caribbean. In these areas, locally caught fish are a major food source.

CFP is not a new disease. In fact, it was the bane of European maritime explorers. Likewise, many a present-day vacationer has suffered from its debilitating effects. Understandably, the disease imposes constraints on the fishing and tourist industries of many island nations. Moreover, international trade in live and frozen reef fish has extended the geographic range of CFP beyond the Tropics to places where it is not readily recognized.

What causes reef fish to become toxic? Can toxic fish be identified? Consider what decades of research has revealed.

Identifying the Culprit

A microorganism called a dinoflagellate is generally regarded as the source of the toxins that cause CFP. The microbe lives on dead coral and attaches itself to algas. Small fish graze on the algas and ingest the toxins-called ciguatoxins-produced by the dinoflagellates. These fish are eaten by larger fish, which, in turn, are eaten by still others, concentrating the toxins higher up the food chain. The fish, however, seem unaffected.

Ciguatoxins are among the most lethal biological substances known. Fortunately, “only a few species of fish are incriminated in CFP,” says an Australian government paper. Ciguatoxins do not alter the appearance, smell, or taste of fish and cannot be destroyed by cooking, drying, salting, smoking, or marinating. In Arebonto’s case, nothing about the fish he ate warned him of the hidden menace until he experienced severe gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and neurological symptoms.

Diagnosis and Treatment

At present there is no laboratory test for CFP in humans. Diagnosis is based on the appearance of a variety of symptoms, which usually appear within hours after eating and may be confirmed by testing leftover fish for toxins. If you suspect CFP, it is wise to seek medical help. Although there is no known antidote, treatment may relieve the symptoms, which usually subside within a few days. However, CFP can be debilitating, and early treatment may prevent its affects from becoming chronic.

The severity of the symptoms varies, depending on a number of factors. These include the toxicity of the fish, the amount and the parts of the fish eaten, the level of the ciguatoxins already in the patient, and the geographic origin of the fish, for toxins seem to differ slightly from region to region. Instead of developing an immunity to these toxins, humans become more sensitive, making repeat attacks even worse! Consuming alcohol also exacerbates symptoms. To avoid a relapse, the patient should refrain from eating fish for three to six months after a bout with CFP, explains a publication on this widespread disease.

Severe cases may last for weeks or months and sometimes even for years, resulting in symptoms similar to chronic fatigue syndrome. In rare cases, death occurs from shock, respiratory or heart failure, or dehydration. Such cases, though, are usually associated with the consumption of tissue where toxins are more concentrated, such as the head or the internal organs of the fish.

An Enduring Enigma

Virtually all fish that inhabit coral reefs, and their predators, are potentially ciguatoxic. But herein lies an enigma. Fish from one reef area may be highly toxic, but the same species caught nearby may be safe. A frequently implicated species in one part of the world may be considered safe in another. Since the release of toxins by dinoflagellates is erratic, the occurrence of toxic fish is unpredictable.

Adding to the problem, a cost-effective, reliable test for toxic fish remains elusive. The best that health authorities can do at present is to inform the public of what fish to avoid and where these might be caught-information that is based on reported cases of CFP. Highly suspect species include barracuda, grouper, kingfish, red bass, rockfish, and snapper, as well as moray eel. Older, larger fish usually present a higher risk. In some places it is illegal to sell potentially unsafe fish. However, pelagic fish that do not prey on reef fish and fish from temperate waters are generally considered to be safe.

The incidence of CFP is predicted to rise. In part, this is because dead coral creates an environment favorable to the proliferation of toxic dinoflagellates, and reports indicate that a growing number of coral reefs are either sick or dying.

Despite the unpredictable nature of CFP, you can minimize the risk by observing some basic principles. Arebonto almost died because he did not follow these guidelines. He ate the head and flesh of a local rockfish known to pose a high risk. He had eaten that species before without ill effects and, like many other islanders, became overconfident.

Does the foregoing mean that you should avoid seafood, perhaps while enjoying a tropical vacation? Not at all. The prudent course is to observe the warnings and to choose your fish wisely.

Common Symptoms

* Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps

* Chills, sweating, dizziness, headaches, itching

* Numbness or tingling around the mouth, hands, or feet

* Sensory reversal-cold feels hot, hot feels cold

* Pain in muscles and joints and when urinating

* Slow pulse rate, low blood pressure, fatigue

Minimize the Risk

* Ask the local fisheries department or fishing experts about the fish to avoid and the areas where toxic fish are caught.

* Avoid eating fish from areas where ciguatera was recently reported.

* Avoid eating older, larger reef fish.

* Do not eat the head or the liver or other internal organs.

* As soon as you catch a reef fish, gut it properly.

As a result of misdiagnoses and underreporting, the true worldwide incidence of CFP is not known. Various authorities estimate that some 50,000 cases occur worldwide annually.

by Ken McClendon


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Ice Fishing 2008 : Advances In Technologies, Gear And Tactics

Since the dawn of mankind fishing and catching the largest and most fish has always been on most men’s mind. So it is with ice fishing in the Northern U.S. states and Canada. In an effort to catch “that big one” as well “more fish” new technologies and techniques have advanced and evolved. Many of these techniques and tactics are thought fresh, copied and some say even “stolen” from the ice fisherman’s fall/spring / summer “open water” fishing cousins and some even say “competitors”.

To begin with and to note with caution - the first rule of ice fishing is to return home intact with your catch, or sometimes lack of catch. Safety is more than paramount.

Always remember that even though you feel safe on the ice - that in one flash you can be in the most dangerous, deadly frozen environment on earth. Ice cold water is the most deadly water on earth to all human beings on earth and ice fisherman.

It never hurts to play it safe. Remember first of all that “first ice” is “dangerous ice”. Ice can be inconsistent during the first phases of freezing. Even though the ice looks safe - it may not be in certain icy patches. Best to wait till the ice is good and solid.

It is always best for safety for ice fisherman to fish in groups - rather than alone. However spread out the weight of your fishing party and gear. As a rough guide ice fisherman should keep 50 feet apart on the fishing ice. As for general ice thicknesses for safety concerns they are as a rough guide - 4 inches of ice thickness is base minimum.

If fishing with support vehicles - ATV’s or snowmobiles then 5 inches of ice thickness is the base minimum ice thickness recommended for safe and sound ice fishing.

The advances in ice fishing technologies in 2007 seem to focus on the concepts that ice fishing is a different sport and a “different kettle of fish” than its summer sport and needs to be adapted for that.

Summer fishing seems to be more of a stay put in the boat or on shore type of fishing. The feeding and resting habits of fish seem to be located in certain spots and holes.

Whether this is for temperature, water flow and geography and nutrient flow is a good question. Even though it is most cold in the dead of winter, you might think the fish the ice fisherman is hunting in the dead of winter simply lie dormant on the lake or river bottom. This is not so. The fish act entirely differently during the cold winter ice periods.

Ice fish seem to be more mobile than fish during the warmer time periods. They move around more. True their overall travels may be less over the lake regions, however in their limited areas they move around a lot more. An ice fisherman pegged down to only hole in the ice, in one specific location is at a major disadvantage.

Modern technologies and materials, adapted from the space race are being used and applied for the successful ice fisherman.

First of all, small one man portable ices fishing huts or shelters have been developed. Incredibly light, easy to carry and setup these small, portable one man fishing huts allow the successful ice fisherman to quickly and promptly move his camp - for greater ice fishing success.

How does the ice fisherman know where to move his gear? After all a change is not always as good as a rest.

Again modern technology comes into play. Sonar fish fishing equipment has been specifically targeted with the ice fisherman in mind. Older “flasher “type sonar fishing gear is best for this purpose. Instead of the newer, more expensive LCD graphing gear, flashers give an immediate, real time fix on the fish and their movement and motions.

Fish can be more than promptly spotted, their locations gauged the ice fishing holes can then be quickly and promptly dug in the correct places with real time, rather than more dated and less accurate and timely information.

As well there are additional benefits to the ice fishing specific fish sonar locaters.

The winter ice fisherman is a better position to both judge the location, motion as well as feeding and general habits of the fish that being tracked.

Generally with ice fishing predator fish strike upwards to grab the bait. The flasher sonar’s tip off the fisherman as to exact depth of the fish in question so that the fisherman’s bait can be placed correctly above the fish.

Standard practice now is those Ice fishermen generally drill several fishing holes. The ice fishing sonar kit can easily be moved from spot to spot to get a quick fix of where the fish are and are not. Successful catches rather than empty catches are now the norm.

Lastly the Ice fishing specific sonar “flasher ” fishing gear are not only less expensive than the newer “LCD” sonar fishing types but also more trouble free and easier to operate in the frigid cold weather. LCD screens generally work on heat principles so that the very cold weather is not an issue with the “flasher” types.

At the end of the day - the successful ice fisherman can boat of two things- good companionship and a healthy rewarding catch of fish for the event.

by Jadran Z. Transcona


Striped Bass Fishing - Learn More And Catch More

As a beginner, you would think what urges people to participate in activities like striped bass fishing..? You will then feel it’s amazing only to those who knew more and more about it and are used to it.

You are missing a great adventure in life, by saying no to fishing. Striped bass fishing is been used for various reasons by habitants. Peoples enjoy striped bass fishing regardless of what they catch. Bass fishing is an old one. A few people fish without any intention what they catch and few others on wanting of more fishes. This is because of the reason that you get more interested in it.

There are many who fish for food. Persons who are into striped bass fishing have to face the same problem-catching fishes and finding them. This is one of the most commonly faced problems by everyone. To the east coast of California stripers were introduced for the first time ever in 1879. Stripped bass fishes dwell under rock and hence they were rightly called "rockfish”.

Rockfishes are much similar to whitefishes and they move around in groups. Fishing striped bass creates a great chance of catching more of it, where it likes to eat a lot of coruscations and small fishes. Sharks and blue fined tuna prefer to have striped bass fishes for their hunger, that's a big catch in fact.

During summer and fall striped fishes migrate from rivers to salt water. During fall and winter some migrate to fresh water and they feed while moving from one bay. Amazing, isn't it?

There are various techniques used to catch bass striped fishes, where artificial lures are widely and most commonly used of it. These striped bass fishes are major caught using lures which are artificially made. Debutant or the amateurs are advised to use artificial baits along with some basic required tools, until used to the environment of striped bass fishes. Spinner bait are mainly used by seasoned anglers and amateur, where by using this technique a record massive 53 pound fish was caught.

Locating striped bass is done by various techniques and which is one of the biggest challenge faced by amateurs and even by the seasoned anglers. But, once located, they give you unlimited fun and a seriously cool experience. So, try discovering one soon.

Striped Bass fishes can be very easily located by reading maps and reading maps is one of the important and a vital criterion for amateur.

One should remember that habitats vary within bass fishes such as striped bass fishes, largemouth bass fishes and smallmouth bass fishes.

One should know the habitat of these striped bass fishes as each have their own distinct and makes it easier for them to locate it. Climatic conditions like late fall, cold front and early springs are most suitable for striped bass fishing. The hollowness and the depth of the water are best suited climatic conditions for bass fishing.

You're ready for Debut striped bass fishing when you are able to know their environment and expertise in techniques to catch them.

Remember one thing once ordinary amatuers who had rod in their hands have turned into experts of it. Thus by passion and reading guides you could turn into an expert of bass fishing.

You will feel incredible. It's an unexplainable experience to see these fishes routing the waters and one great experience which will be with you for life!

by Abhishek Agarwal


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Rhode Island Fishing Charters Listing site

Tips for Anglers: Sport Fishing

While anglers do eat some of their catch, Sport fishing is not done primarily for food. Sport fishing’s primary reward is in the thrill of catching the fish, and often fish caught are tagged and released back to the water. Sport fishing is done with hook, rod and reel, though methods vary depending on what type of fish are being hunted. Competitive sport fishing often does not allow all the fish to be kept, so many anglers who practice sport fishing do not keep all of their catch.

For the most part, any fish that are kept through sport fishing are kept as trophies. Trophy fish that are the most highly prized are rare species and very large species of fish. Such fish are often mounted and displayed. Sport fishing competitions are gaining in popularity, and more and more anglers are gaining interest in the sport. In competition, extra points are awarded to anglers who use thinner, weaker lines to haul in their prey. Thinner lines add an extra degree of difficulty to sport fishing, though for beginners it’s best to start with stronger lines and work your way slowly toward thin, weak lines. Light tackle is used in sport fishing, making casts fly far and wide.

A lot of sport fishing is done in fresh waters, especially in the US and Canada. Freshwater fish hunted by sport fishing anglers include walleye, sturgeon, pike, salmon, and trout. Artificial spinners and flies are great for catching trout in freshwater lakes and streams, for anglers who prefer not to use live bait. For those who would rather use live bait, anglers prefer worms and grasshoppers when fishing lakes and streams for trout.

Beginning anglers shouldn’t tackle a sport fishing competition right away. Hunting large prey is an acquired skill, and beginners shouldn’t start casting their lines in competition if sport fishing for the first or second time. No angler should enter the world of competitive sport fishing unless they’re used to fishing with thin, weak lines and bringing in large fish. Competition adds an extra level of difficulty and excitement, and speed can be a factor in large sport fishing competitions. An angler who is not completely comfortable and experienced with sport fishing should not attempt to compete.

There are many ways that a beginning angler can learn the art of sport fishing, however. Many local freshwater fishing areas host courses for beginning anglers who wish to learn more about sport fishing, and very often experienced anglers are more than happy to coach beginning anglers and offer tips and advice.

Many anglers who have tried their hand at sport fishing have found a great love for hunting the large prey that haunt the waters. For those who find sport fishing very enjoyable, competitive sport fishing can be very thrilling and fun once a certain degree of skill has been learned.

Since sport fishing can be done from land or boat, beginning anglers should use whatever method suits them best. Anglers who are more comfortable on land should fish by land, gaining some skill and experience in this medium before going out on a boat. No angler should ever go out alone, and a fishing buddy should be with you no matter your level of experience. Beginners should take a more experienced angler to the waters with them, especially when sport fishing is the aim. Bringing in large prey is not an easy task, and sometimes you’ll need an extra pair of hands, especially when still in the learning stages. To truly learn sport fishing, you must go out and catch some fish. The best thing to do is take a friend or two, gather up your gear, and head to the nearest body of freshwater.

by Chris Bell


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Bahamas Fishing Charters - Unforgettable Fishing Experience Guaranteed

If you want a really beautiful and exhilarating experience then Bahamas fishing charters is what you should not miss. The Bahamas, it is a known fact, are thought to be the worlds most popular locations for sports fishing. Charters of Bahamas fishing are quite able to get excitement for you and the family, regardless of whether you have the required skill or not. Whether you are a novice or an ardent angler, you will be able to find any kind of fishing experience from flats fishing to chartered boats.

Fishing on the seven hundred islands of Bahamas

One of the world most popular fishing areas, The Bahamas has as many as seven hundred islands where a fishing enthusiast can find enough and more that any angler could dream of. More than fifty records of fishing all around the world belong to this location. There are skippers and crew who have a lot of experience and knowledge, who are with the Bahamas fishing charters, and are easily available to guarantee you that you will have the most fantastic angling experience ever. You will be able to see the most beautiful coral reefs and the best fishing locations with their expertise available to you.

The steep drop offs, flats and reefs that encircle these islands draw an assortment of fish types along with many kinds of fishing fans who look for different kinds of excitement and competitive experiences. Spin casters and draw fly fisherman are drawn to the bonefish which are found along the flats because of the speed and power of these fast moving fighters which weigh anything up to 15 pounds sometimes. These bone fish are found in schools of over a hundred at a time, and present thrilling spurts of encounters for the Bahamas fishing charters visitors.

The fishing enthusiasts, who are interested in the large fish, prefer the reefs, where their patience and skills are put to the test. The larger fish, who make a prize game for anglers who prefer the excitement of a weightier catch and tour the bottomless waters of the Atlantic, are found in these locations of the ocean.

In areas where the drop off is steep from the reef to the Atlantic ocean, deep-sea fishing is experienced around these islands. This sort of angling consists of dragging a baited line through the deep waters with huge fishing equipment that has bait that attracts marlin, sailfish, tuna, mackerel or mahi-mahi. Apart from these fish, reef fish, bottom fish and Billfish, can also be baited here. .

Bahamas fishing charters are plentiful at several marinas right through the islands with skippers who know the various challenges that is brought in with the changing seasons. The summer months, are the best time for blue tuna, blue marlin, and mahi-mahi. The winter is better for fishing of the king mackerel. From November to April it is good to fish for the Wahoo and white marlins are from April to June for a good catch.

According to the laws and rules of the Bahamas, fishing charters are not allowed to have more than six lines in the water together, at any given time. By not allowing too many boats to clog up the waters, the natural balance of the cycle of fishing, feeding and spawning of the fish is protected.

by Abhishek Agarwal


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The 25 Most Important Fishing Supplies and Equipment

Ready to go fishing? Is your fishing boat ready for action? How about your very own fishing supplies and equipments? Don’t waste your time bringing so many supplies and equipments; instead take the most important things you will really need.

Fishing is surely one of the most thrilling and at the same time relaxing outdoor activity for those adventurous types of people. It is indeed one way to get in touch with nature and to experience the whole outdoor wilderness. And wouldn’t you agree that fishing is somewhat like an entirely different world?

Throughout history, fishing has undergone numerous changes due technological developments that occur every now then. Although technology can change the way to catch fish, still, fishing will always be the most loved pastime by everyone and enjoyed by all ages. Now, just go ahead and get your fishing rod and lures and go fishing in any water body you may think of. But wait; did you prepare your fishing supplies and equipments?

Fishing supplies and equipments may vary from the type of fishing you will engage in. Some fishermen don’t use fishing nets while others are fond of using it. Some make use of fishing pole holders while some people do not. But whatever it is you must have these important fishing supplies and equipments.

First and foremost, one of the main factors of good fishing is to have those very useful fishing tackle and equipment.

Of all your fishing supplies, the most important are, of course, your rod and reel and line and bait. To obtain maximum performance of these very demanding pricey tools, you have to keep it regularly cleaned and properly maintained. But still there are so many possible alternative fishing supplies.

Not all fisherman use fishing net to fish. Oftentimes fishing nets are very functional. If you are thinking of catching and then releasing the fish, it is certain that fishing nets are very helpful. The faster you can get it and let go of it, the better. Whatever type of fishing you will be engaging in, you are still going to need an assortment of fishing nets.

For a fisherman a fishing pole holder can be a very functional instrument. There is no better way to free up both hands than to utilize a fishing rod. When a fishing rod holder is used, it allows you to do more and multi-task. Now you can clear and remove fish from hooks. And in truth, the use of such a tool even allows a fisherman to gobble down a sandwich freely while fishing.

But, before going out to fish, proper clothing must be worn. No one knows how the weather might change all of a sudden. Considering the weather, proper outdoor attire is very important. Bringing a rain suit is a must even on a warm summer day because who knows how the weather might be. You have been told and warned. Bring a rain suit; it would protect you when you are caught in torrential rain and might save you from hypothermia.

Always keep the bags and boxes clean and dry before using it for your tackles. Just after every season, empty your tackle box or bag and wash the inside of it. Let it dry. Then lubricate the zippers of the bag or the hinges of your tackle box.

Also check your hooks if they are still sharp. Simply because a blunt hook is not doing a good job, you will lose a fish for that.

In a dry container, put the weights and smaller items there for storage and all the tools must be cleaned and polished. Always bring your hook remover or pliers along and it must be in good working condition because when you have catch and release in mind, the life of the fish is at risk, and every second counts.

Give your lures some attention. If their paint is chipped or they are broken, it would not hurt to buy a can of enamel to repaint it. It will give them a new look and a charter of life.

Always replace your fishing line before going out. Over time, the line will become brittle and you will lose a fish and might ruin your whole day of fishing if you don’t care about the tool that connects you to your catch, the fish.

Lastly, do remember to keep and stock up rubber worms and such things in synthetic bags, separated also by color. Because of the substances they contain most of the baits will have a chemical reaction to firm plastic boxes and might burn when they touch that and will result in a horrible, clammy mess and will ruin your clean tackle box.

by Jayesh Bagde


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The Fundamentals Of Fishing Gear - The Requirement Of Every Fisherman!

In any activity or sports it is essential to have the right equipment. When it comes to a sport like fishing a good set of equipments is always needed to get the work done effectively. The correct gear could be chosen depending on the type of fishing and the fishing skills of the fisherman. When it comes to a simple fishing like the freshwater fishing, a very simple set of tools are needed.

A pole, a line, a rod, a sinker, bobber, hook and bait form the basic fishing equipment. It is best to consult a fishing retail store while fishing for a specific type of fish other than that any kind of pole can be used for fishing. And any type of rod can also be used. Normally the rod is medium weight, six-feet long and can be used for all types of fishing.

A rod is a straight, long and flexible and an angler is fixed to it to throw the bait. The rod is usually made out of bamboo, graphite or fiberglass. The beginners prefer the fiberglass rods as these rods are cheap, easy to maintain and are long lasting. The fishing line is usually made out of nylon. There are many types of fishing lines. Normally the fishing lines can bear up to 4 pounds. Depending upon the situation, like the water condition and the kind of fish you wish to catch, the choice of fishing line will also vary.

The weights which are used to throw bait and drop it in the bottom where the fishes are found in abundance are called as the sinker. These are used along with bobbers to grip the line at a point. The two main important things which decide the weight required to hold the bait, is the depth of the water and the speed of the current. Here the sinker and the bobber work together as a team. While the sinker takes the bait to the required depth, the bobber holds the bait there. Therefore the fisherman can adjust the water level according to his needs. The bobber comes in various sizes to fit the bait. The hook which is twisted like the letter “J” is the most essential piece of the fishing equipment. They are of many different sizes but almost any hook will work. The bait is put on the hook and it is to this that the fish is attracted. The last part of the fishing equipment that is needed to catch a fish is bait. Bait is usually something that the fishes love eating. Worms or night crawlers are best baits for fishes. Most commonly used bait is the earthworm.

For a successful and pleasant fishing experience, it is essential to have the basic fishing tools. You might not catch the desired fish if you don’t have these basic tools of fishing.

by Abhishek Agarwal


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Fishing With The Right Line - Sure Way To Get A Catch

Irrespective of your place of choice, be it the deep waters of the open sea or the clear running waters of the fresh water rivers, you are bound to face challenges on every fishing trip. How you deal with the challenges depends on your fishing experience. The crux of solving every fishing problem is having the correct amount of patience and knowing the habits of the fish you are after.

It is important to get yourself well versed with the fishing laws of the place you plan to cast your line. Different places have different fishing rules and laws that need to be adhered to. It is also important to learn some fishing etiquette before you start t on a journey angling for the different fish at the various places in the countryside. Only then must you begin to learn the ways to use your fishing line and tackle.

If you want to make a success of your fishing hobby you must have the correct equipment for the job. You must know which fishing line is best suited for the particular fish you are after because getting the wrong fishing line will result in many problems such as lost catches and tangles popularly known as ‘birds nests’

Basically you will find that the market has 4 different kinds of fishing lines to offer. These are ‘monofilament’ braided, fluorocarbon and fused fishing lines.

Monofilament Fishing Line

This is by far the most popular fishing line on the market and has been around for many moons. This kind of fishing line is well suited for almost all fishing situations. There is only one problem with this kind of fishing line, it tends to stay the shape it is stored in. So when you unwind the line after some tine you will find that he line stays curled or ’spooled’.

Braided Fishing Lines

This is the strongest fishing line available. They do not stretch and easy to see in the water as it floats easily. The disadvantage of this kind of line is its strength. It can cause serious abrasions on anything it rubs against such as the angers hands and fishing rod guides.

Fused Fishing Lines

These are very similar to the braided fishing lines with the only difference being the manufacturing process of the line. These are a number of filaments that are fused together with glue rather than being woven together. This makes it difficult to cut through with a sharp object and it also tends to slide around on the reel making it difficult to wind tightly. Fish can spot the line easily which makes catching them quite a challenge.

Fluorocarbon Fishing Lines

These are gaining popularity among as it is virtually invisible to the fish and easy to store. So, once you have experimented with all the four categories of fishing lines you are sure to choose the Fluorocarbon Fishing Line as your preferred fishing line.

by Abhishek Agarwal


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Trout Fishing on Maligne Lake: Secrets Revealed.

Maligne Lake secrets revealed………….

One of Alberta's most popular, but unforgiving lakes is Maligne Lake located in Jasper National Park. This lake has some of the best rainbow and brook trout fishing found in the country…..if you know the tricks. An average sized rainbow weighs in at around 2 to 2.5 pounds with consistent 4 to 5 pounders. The brook trout fishery is incredible. Averaging at a pound and a half, you get consistent 3 to 4 pounders and one fish was weighed in at an incredible 12 and a half pounds. This was years ago, but the gentleman who caught this monster still hangs around at the boat ramp just waiting to tell his tale and pull out the old photo album.

There are many ways to fish for these two trout species, but we're going to concentrate on one specific technique and that's trolling sinking fly lines. Very rarely do you hear, or read, about trolling sinking lines, but this technique has proven to me to be the most productive ways of fishing many mountain lakes, none more so than Maligne Lake.

Maligne Lake is 5,479 ft. (1670m) above sea level in the Canadian Rockies thus it can be frozen right into the beginning of June. The first three weeks to one month after ice out and the last few weeks of September is primetime if you want to see some real action. Being so high in the mountains you have to be prepared for the climate. I've fished blizzards in the first week of August and days when one minute you're in fleece pants and rain gear and five minutes later shorts and a t-shirt, then right back again. I always recommend you dress in layers with some good rain gear on board. Then you're prepared for anything.

Since there is gas motor restrictions on this lake you need to get yourself an electric motor. There a several places in town that rent this equipment and provide rental boats on many of the lakes in the park. You can rent freighter canoes which are long, sturdy canoes that cover water a lot quicker than the aluminium boats available, but either will do for day trips. Since this is a very large lake you can only cover a limited amount of water if you're just day fishing. There are campsites available along the lake should you wish to camp for a night or two. If this is the case you will be in for a treat as this is one of the more beautiful lakes in the world the further away from the dock you venture (this lake is 23 km long).

Set up:

First off, get yourself a fly rod. It doesn't have to be a fancy outfit and you don't even have to know how to cast. Trolling is far and away the most effective way to locate active fish on Maligne Lake due to its immense size. You can use anywhere from a 5 weight up to a 7 weight rod. I always preferred a 9 ft. 7 weight set up. It's sturdy enough to pull a variety of baits. Minnow baits are some of the top producers and if you use too light of a rod retrieving your line to check your presentation can be quite the battle even without the fish on the other end.

There are some reels that have some advantages. Multipliers and large spool reels certainly come in handy. A multiplier will increase the retrieval ratio, so for every turn of the reel your spool will turn twice, or three times. A large spool reel means the diameter of the spool is greater than normal spool size and will in turn increase the amount of line gained per reel rotation. When trolling fly lines there is a lot of slack created by water resistance and the higher the gear ratio the better if you're not used to fishing with this equipment.

Line is important. The line, combined with boat control, is the most key component to this technique. This doesn't mean you need the proper brand of line just the proper "type" of sinking line. There are six different types of full sink fly line, type 1 being the slowest sinking (shallowest running) to type 6 that is the fastest sinking (deepest running). Using type 1 you can troll just under the surface to type 6 where you can effectively fish from 15' to 20' depending on your trolling speed.

For leader material do not go out and buy pre packaged tapered leaders. Since you are not casting there is no need for the tapered line, in fact it would be counter productive because you are using a lot of lures that create water resistance and the thin tip would not be strong enough. I recommend you buy a spool of fluorocarbon line. I use 8 pound Vanish, but any fluorocarbon will do the trick. Fluorocarbon is completely invisible under water and has less stretch than monofilament which I find advantageous in setting hooks. Long leaders are important. If you're using lures instead of flies tying a swivel into the leader is a must. I like about 12 ft. leaders with a swivel about 9 feet away from the lure. One other thing that I like to use is the slip-on leader loops. This helps guide the leader through the eyes of the rod instead of some knots that can get caught up and potentially break the line. They're very easy to put on and can save you some headaches if you're just getting started. The staff at the local tackle shop is always happy to help with your set up and point you in the right direction.

There are a wide range of flies and lures will work with this set up, but remember the line is a sinking line and it is not necessary to use fast diving lures with big lips. An assortment of flies: streamers, leaches, shrimp patterns are all very good. For lures use the lightest gear possible. Minnow baits are the most effective; Flatfish being the most consistent, with Rapalas and Hot Shots coming in a close second. In the years I guided on this lake I can count on one hand how many times I used something other than flies (shrimp, or a brookie pattern streamer) and/or a Flatfish. Those two types of flies and an assortment of flatfish always produced. Even on those famous frustrating mid-summer Maligne days.

Getting a portable fish finder is very beneficial. This is a very clear lake for the most part and this tends to push the fish down to the 10' – 20' range. There are times when the runoff from the mountains clouds the lake with silt and I find they spread out a little more and you have to work at different depths to locate the active fish. It's not as important to pay attention to the fish being marked on the screen, but knowing your depth is very important in a successful day on the water. For the most part I try never to leave the range of 10' to 25' of water. Being a successful fisherman means you know how to play the percentages. There will be fish all over the water column from one foot up down to well over a hundred feet, but the highest percentage of fish that you can effectively fish for should be within range of the equipment listed above, if worked properly. If you don't have access to a fish finder a good map will do, or just stick to the shore and keep an eye out for shallower water. Being a clear lake for the most part it is relatively easy to spot the drop offs and keep your lines out of trouble.

Technique:

"Ripping" flies is one of the most consistent techniques for picking up active fish. To do this you will want a nice long fluorocarbon leader, no need for a swivel down to your fly, all on your type 6 sinking line. These fish love big flies! The best fly in my box is a #2 double shrimp pattern. Followed by a brook trout streamer, or a leech pattern, but anything big (#2 - #6) will do on most days. The key to ripping is exactly what it sounds like. Let your line out until the backing, keeping the trolling speed a little higher than what you might be used to and repetitively jerk the rod as hard as you can. Most people don't jerk the rod as hard as they should. This is another benefit of the heavier 7 weight rod; it makes this motion a lot easier on the arms. Essentially, this will make your fly almost swim through the water like a jerk bait and you get a lot of impulsive strikes.

Ripping flies can be very straining on the body. Your forearms and back get a big workout, so if you want a break, or are just interested in relaxing on the water bring a good selection of flatfish, hot shot's and rapalas. I find you catch more fish on lures as opposed to flies, but the fast pace ripping is certainly more interactive and the fish really hit hard.

If you're just getting used to fishing this way always check the action of your lure at the side of the boat before you lower your line so you know how to gauge the speed for your troll. For example, flatfish are designed to have a lot of action at a very slow rate of speed, so by trolling dead slow you achieve the perfect action, that you will notice on your rod tip, and be able to get deeper than lures that require faster action. So, when you want to get to some deeper fish with your type 6 line troll dead slow with a flatfish, kwikfish, or hot shots and you can effectively fish at around 20 ft. Rapalas, or the more streamlined body baits need a little faster speed and should be running around 10' – 18'.

I've found that early in the season the first third of the lake is the most productive; up about the five mile mark. Mid summer I spend more time around the 4 mile to 9 mile marker. And later in the season when the brook trout start to spawn the far end of the lake in front of the major creeks like Warren and Coronet.

Early season, when the ice comes out the first bay, aptly named "home bay", is some of the best fishing in the lake and easily accessible. Home bay is one of the most consistent spots on the lake year round and often overlooked by the guides who just want to get down the lake to make the trip more of an adventure for their clients. At the top end of the bay (outwards to the lake), on the right hand side of the channel there is excellent fishing. There is a very abrupt drop off with the odd boulder pile that you can see on most days from about 7' down to 15' – 30' at mid channel and into the next bay, and then troll straight down the channel for 100 metres or so. This is called "rainbow alley" to the locals. Watch out for the tour boats that seem to get in the way constantly. Ripping double shrimp patterns and a slow troll with a flatfish, or hot shots will do the trick. Try zigzagging over the drop off slightly changing your boat speed so as to vary your depth and lure action.

Mid-summer concentrate a little further up the lake. I like Trappers creek, Leah creek, Upper Maligne River inlet and 5 mile point. These are the most proven spots on the lake and fairly easy to find for newcomers because that is where the guide boats usually are working. Working points, drop offs and creek outflows are all where you want to target. Anyone of them down the lake can hold fish.

Late in the season, it's worth it to go down the lake, past the narrows and famous Spirit Island to the "far end". This is one of the most scenic locations I've had the pleasure of fishing in my life and find it almost spiritual. You are in what feels like uncharted territory past the tour boats and the capabilities of most visitors to the lake. Stunning mountains that run straight into the lake and glaciers so close you could walk up and touch them. This is your playground late in the season. If you do want to plan a trip down the lake I recommend you plan a multi-day trip. There are campsites both at the narrows and the far end of the lake at Coronet Creek. It is definitely worth it, some of my fondest memories are from trips down the lake for days at a time.

Try getting right up close to the creeks as there are some very abrupt drop offs and pull the usual flatfish, or break out the flies and start ripping. Pre spawn these brookies will school up right in front of these creeks in astounding numbers and sometimes you can see large numbers of them rolling around.

Getting used to the way the lines follow the boat is also very important if you want to work a lake properly. Sinking lines have much greater water resistance due its greater diameter and don't cut the water nearly as quickly as monofilament. For example, when you make a fairly sharp turn the line will swing more with your turn and follow the path of the boat instead of cut across water and thus stalling your lure. This allows you to work your bait more accurately. To within a few feet you can estimate your depth and where behind the boat your fly, or lure, is running. Boat control is absolutely crucial when working deeper structure and you can actually work the lines to ride right up a drop off or sink down, whatever the case may be. So, if you're trolling in 20' feet of water and you see that the bottom is rising, all you have to do is gradually speed up so your line is elevated by water resistance caused by the speed of the boat. The reverse is also true when you come to a drop off slow right down and let the line sink with the bottom and speed back up when your line is deep enough. This will put more fish in your boat and you'll find a lot fun out of concentrating on the bottom and trying to work it properly. Some of my bigger fish have been caught this way.

No matter the time of year you visit, if you find even one fish, work the area again. Several times even. Often when you find one fish there are others in the immediate area. Try coming in from different angles and at different depths. I've seen what was easily over forty fish come out of one small area in under an hour by a couple different boats repeatedly circling the area. After working the lake for a while and getting a good feeling about the fish behaviour I would never leave an area immediately after catching a fish. Every single spot that produced a fish got at least one or two additional passes. Sometimes you don't get a follow up fish, and sometimes you don't have to leave the spot for hours and are consistently catching fish.

Don't get me wrong there are lots of ways to catch fish and I wouldn't presume to say this is the only way to catch fish on Maligne Lake. Many anglers are very successful casting chronomid patterns to a strike indicator, some do well trolling wabler's to flies, or lures, with spinning rods. But as former guide on this lake the only way I would fish, day in and day out, is trolling my sinking lines. Remember, it is always good to check in at the local tackle shop and get up to date information and help with the proper set ups. I know the guys at On-line Sport and Tackle on Patricia St. will be happy to help point you in the right direction and set you up with whatever rental equipment you may need. And remember to try this technique out on your local lakes as it is one of the best ways to produce large numbers of fish, even on some of the toughest days.

by Craig Mumby


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