If you have ever had the privilege of hooking up on a big tarpon then you know the exhilaration and thrill of testing yourself in battle against one of the most sought after gamefish in the world. This distinction is easy to see at first glance as the tarpon starts a series of spectacular acrobatic leaps in the air that will have your heart pounding, your rod bending and your drag screaming. You better hold on!

Since the tarpon’s habitat is so close to the shoreline, fishermen of all types and skill levels can catch them. They can be caught from jetties, passes, docks, bridges, beaches, piers and rivers. Tarpon can be caught while using many types of tackle, rods, baits, lures and rigs either while fishing from a boat, canoe, kayak or walking and wading from the shoreline as the tarpon work up and down the beaches.

Live bait fishermen’s bait of choice is the ‘dollar crab’. A small live blue crab about two inches across its carapace, hooked through one end of it’s shell or underneath through a swimmer leg. Other extremely effective live baits include pinfish, threadfin herrings and pilchards. On days when the tarpon is being finicky in it’s tablefare selection, try these for the best results, and oh, by the way, don’t forget about a live mullet. If you can get them, use them. Flyfishermen are not left out either. The stealth of casting the right fly can sometimes be the trick to hooking up.

But Just What is a Tarpon?

Scientific classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Elopiformes
Family: Megalopidae
Genus: Megalops

This exceptionally fine creature is a prehistoric animal and the only fish with an air bladder. This allows it to absorb oxygen and live in waters with very low oxygen content. You can see them gulp air at the water surface. Tarpon are also called poons, tarpum, sabalo real, cuffum, silverfish or silver king and belong to the bony fish family Elopidae. The Latin designation is Megalops atlanticus.

While only microscopic at birth, tarpon have been documented at lengths of more than eight feet and weighing 280 pounds. Catches weighing more than 200 pounds, while uncommon, do occur. Many fish caught are well over 100 pounds. Their growth rate is slow, taking 8 to 10 years to reach maturity, and generally those over 100 pounds are female. Tarpon can live 55 to 60 years. They are greenish or bluish on top, and silver on the sides. The large mouth is turned upwards and the lower jaw contains an elongated bony plate. The last ray of the dorsal fin is much longer than the others, reaching nearly to the tail.

They are found primarily in shallow coastal waters and estuaries, but they are also found in open marine waters, around coral reefs, and in some freshwater lakes and rivers. Their normal migratory pattern ranges from Virginia to central Brazil in the western Atlantic, along the coast of Africa in the eastern Atlantic, and all through the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. Florida is widely regarded as having many of the best tarpon fishing locations in the world, especially the world-renowned Boca Grande Pass in Southwest Florida.

Fishing for the tarpon can at times be an excercise of patience and discipline. You may be surrounded by large schools of rolling tarpon containing hundreds of fish and they will not hit anything you throw at them. Other times, it is a feeding frenzy. So, go fishing for tarpon every chance you get, that next world record catch may be waiting just for you.

The Mean and Nasty Northern Pike

The Pike is undisputedly a creation of some demon figure. It is big, fast, and mean. It is the rare person that would describe the pike as anything but ugly. We are talking hit with the ugly stick more than a few times ugly! Just to top matters off, this demon spawn has teeth that would make a crocodile hesitate. We are talking about the biggest, baddest fish around.

The Northern Pike is carnivorous as suggested by the bear trap that acts as a mouth. Essentially, we are talking about the equivalent of sharks from the open oceans although they are often jokingly referred to as a water wolf. Pikes will eat anything from bait to game fish to frogs to…well, you get the idea. If it can get to it, consider it bait. Yes, the pike will eat other pikes.

The Northern Pike can grow very large. It is difficult to sort rumor from fact, but they can run up to three or four feet in length. Rumors of much bigger pikes abound much like the Yeti, but there has been little evidence they actually exists. The largest one every caught was a 34 pound beast in Nejanilini Lake in Canada. 42 pounders have been reported, but not documented.

As with any predator, the Northern Pike is all about stalking. It tends to hunt food by waiting in along shores in areas with coverage such as lilly, weeds, or where shoreline vegetation runs out into the water. This is a daytime hunter. It strikes quickly and viciously, so be prepared to react quickly if you hook one.

The Northern Pike is generally not much of a delicacy given a very boney body. That being said, large pikes are a regular food source in areas such as Siberia. In fact, a little known fact is pike fishing in Siberia is some of the best in the world. Of course, Siberia holds many secrets when it comes to fishing, one of the last great unexplored fishing paradises on the planet.

The frigid, crystal clear waters of the Kenai River are home to numerous species of trophy fish including salmon, Rainbow Trout and Char. At the height of a red salmon run, these fish are so bountiful that all one has to do is gaze down into the clear waters to see numerous sport fish making their way through. In fact, the salmon are so plentiful that one of the great Alaska legends says that the salmon runs so thick you can walk across their backs.

With all of this bounty, it is no wonder that Alaska has become the prime destination for anglers, both novice and seasoned. Accommodating the flood of anxious fisherman during the peak Alaska fishing season (peak season runs from June to August), has led to the establishment of fishing lodges and guided fishing tours with the primary goal of giving guests the fishing vacation of their dreams.

Many of these establishments offer lush, wilderness accommodations that are within feet of prime fishing spots. No worry of these spots being crowded though. Situated on private property, many lodges are let out to only one group at a time which means that you and your buddies or family will be the only fishermen for miles around. And many of these prime spots are only accessible by boat or plane. There are no nearby residents and no access roads. Now that is a vacation!

You can fish clear waters loaded with all kinds of salmon including King Salmon (Chinook), Silver Salmon (Coho), Red Salmon (Sockeye), Chum Salmon (Dog) and Pink Salmon (Humpies) to your heart’s content. Amazingly, it is estimated that a catch of 10 to 20 salmon per day is not uncommon on some parts of the Kenai River. You’ll only be able to keep your limit, of course, but you can catch and release fish till you’re too tired to fish. Always check local regulations and make sure you have a fishing license.

Are you going to be visiting Alaska and would like to do a little salmon fishing but do not want to dedicate an entire week to the sport? Maybe a one-day charter complete with a guided tour would be perfect for you. On these tours, experienced and knowledgeable guides direct you to unbelievable fishing spots on the Kenai or one of many other Rivers and creeks in Alaska . Once there, they help you through every step of the way to ensure that your Alaska salmon fishing experience is unforgettable.

Interested? Sure you are. Why not take some time to see what an Alaska salmon fishing vacation could have in store for you. Have fun!

Fishing baits usually weigh from ¼ to an ounce to three ounces. The most popular weight preferred by the majority of bait casters is the 5/8-ounce bait, while the average is between ½ and 3 quarters of an ounce. Baits can either be used as a whole or cut into chunks. Anglers can also use dead or live baits.

The Different Types of Bait

There is a wide array of organisms being used as fishing baits. Among the different types used in fishing, the commonly used are the small fishes. These consist of widely used fishing baits such as herring, anchovies, menhaden, and some others that are inborn to certain local waters. Larger fishes are usually used as chunk baits.

Fishing baits can be used whole, chunk, and strips, based on the activities of the type of fishes being chased. The size of the fishing bait is usually well matched with the size of the fish being hunted. Other common organisms used for bait fishing are crabs, worms, shrimps, crabs, clams, sand fleas, eels, and squid. Among all of the organisms mentioned, the crabs and the shrimps are the well-liked organisms to be used as fishing baits.

Shrimp are favorably used as fishing bait and are considered to be very valuable bait for a huge number of saltwater fish, especially those that are considered “inshore fish” like redfish, speckled trout, shook, and a lot more.

Whereas, various crab species, especially the fiddler crab, sand flea, and the blue crab, are perfect fishing baits for many varieties of “inshore fishes” and “bottom fish.” These crabs are usually clasped through their shell, usually on either the right or left of the head.

How to Acquire Fishing Bait?

Fishermen can acquire fishing bait either buying them in bait shops or simply by capturing it themselves.

The advantage of buying fishing bait is convenience, while catching live fishing bait is less expensive and can be more effective in luring fish. Digging for earthworms is another activity. Earthworms make an excellent bait.

Indeed, when it comes to bait fishing, using the proper fishing bait are important and imperative to the success of fishing. Hence, anglers should know the basics of choosing fishing baits in order to save time and money.

Ok, so you want to find some flounder. Well, they aren’t always in the same place. As the season progresses, you have to go deeper and deeper to find them. Sometimes they move east or west with the tide. They prefer sandy bottoms, so these are where you want to be and you always drift for them. Never spend more than 15 minutes on a drift when searching, that is the point many anglers don’t understand, keep moving until you find a good drift where you catch 4 or more fish. Then keep doing that drift until it no longer produces well. Sometimes I may move 10 times before finding them. If the drift is slow, the flounder fishing will be slow. If the drift is too fast, either slow the boat down with a drift sock or sea anchor, or give it up.

Onward to rigs and methods. A typical flounder rig uses a 3-way swivel with sinker snap and a 30” leader with some kind of fluke rig attached. It can be as simple as a bare hook, or very elaborate with spinners, small squids and beads, etc. The sinker is important, as you need to have your rig on the bottom to catch these fish. The rig itself, well usually a simple green squid and a spinner blade works pretty well. Catching colors can change, and size of the spinner blade. But a bare hook doesn’t always work that well. Of course, we always put bait on the hook. It might be squid, smelts, peanut bunker, or strips of flounder belly. Depends on what is working that day. Squid is usually a good bet to bring. Cut it into long strips and hook it a couple times before putting it down. Now, as for sinker weight, use the smallest sinker that will keep your rig on the bottom, so you can jig it. The rig should always be jigged, never let it drag on the bottom. A gentle jigging, lifting the rod tip no more than 12” and back down till you feel the sinker hit the bottom. Down below, what happens is your rig is moving as the boat moves along, and each time the sinker hits the bottom, it makes a noise and a puff of sand or mud. This noise and puff of mud attracts the attention of the flounder, and the bait on the hook tastes good. This is what brings them in.

Now, on to hooking the fish. The big mistake I see here is everyone wants to haul back quickly as soon as they feel a hit. This is a bad idea, as the flounder typically grabs the end of the bait away from the hook. So when you jerk the rod, it pulls the bait out of his mouth, or off the hook. The trick is to lift the rod tip slowly until he is hooked or lets go of the bait. Once he is hooked, then you can proceed with reeling him in. Use a light tip rod, a rod with a heavy tip makes it hard to feel the hits and hard to tell when you’ve hooked the fish. Put two anglers side-by-side, one with a heavy rod, and the other with a light rod. The angler with the light rod will out fish the one with the heavier rod every time, given the same level of skill.

If you want to catch big ones, put on a big bait and be patient.
So if you follow some of these points you’ll be rewarded with more flounder in the boat.

List of crappie fishing lures to use:

· Curly Tail Jigs

· Marabou Jigs

· Weedless Spinners, (they have a jig attached) smallest you can find

· Willow Leaf Blades: Silver Colorado Or Gold Blades

The above listed crappie fishing lures can be bought at any department store, bait shop, or online . Most of these lures can be purchased for very little. Make sure when comparing prices you compare prices on crappie fishing lures that are in the ¼ oz or smaller range.

Suggested ways to use crappie fishing lures:

When Fishing Curly tail Jig crappie fishing lures – This uniquely designed jig head takes your bait to the bottom where the big ones are. It allows you to thread a plastic lure onto the corkscrew and hook it through the tail. The innovative flat-bottom jig head helps the hook stand up at a 60° angle. Your hooked bait stands up straight off the bottom and is free I recommend you use a karlins lunker curley tail. This crappie fishing lure is a good choice to use when using a slip bobber rig.

When Fishing Marabou crappie fishing lures – use the 1/4oz size a good way to fish this crappie fishing lure is use a slip bobber , place a split on the line so the jig falls to a set depth.

When Fishing Weedless Spinner crappie fishing lures use the 1/16oz size . Use when fishing low water visibility muddy or murky water.

When Fishing the Willow Leaf Blade crappie fishing lure – fish the lure very slow, slow if you use the 1/16oz lure the hook will bend before you loose your jig, you can use over and over again. The larger sizes work well but they break the line when snagging. Also , put on a karlins plastic Curly tail 2″ long.

There are no guarantees that you will catch crappie with the crappie fishing lures shown above, but if stick with purchasing small crappie fishing lures you up your chances of catching a good batch of crappie.
Well, good luck and good fishing!

If simply starting out to join within the fun of bass fishing then it’s miles critical that you completely recognize the desires on how to bait. Which bait to apply – wherein are the first-class places for bass fishing. The bigger your information the bigger the fish.

Bass Fishing is practised by way of anglers who declare a sense of pride while the fish begin to chunk. To emerge as a success in this form of project then you have to bear in mind two things, the know-how of the way to discover bass and to analyze all there is to recognise about one of a kind strategies, presentations, and baits. All this facts can be located in fishing manuals. Collect as lots know-how as you may from other anglers who’re more acquainted with the game.

Just to realize how to examine a map might be beneficial whilst finding bass, the most realistic places to look for energetic Bass is after bloodless fronts and early spring. Weather situations can both impede or cross in your favour while fishing for bass. If you’re acquainted along with your waters then this may help a brilliant deal in locating the first-rate vicinity to forged your rod. Water intensity and temperature is a essential element that you want to be aware about because the depth or hollowness of the water will decipher if this part of the river – circulation is where the bass are biting.

A regular bass angler does more than simply soar in his/her boat and cast bait. That is why fishing tournaments are so popular -aggressive and pleasurable to all who take part in these contests.

There is a great deal more than meets the eye in the back of this game. Lake maps, what are they you ask, well there are two types; most anglers check with them because the Hot Spot map and the Topographical. These course finders are extraordinary; the Topo outlines greater in detail wherein because the Hot Spot map presentations the exceptional fishing locations.
Vegetation regions – Irregular contours -Shallow water near deep water regions – Points and point drops are major issues to look for in relation to locating bass on any given waters.
To emerge as as popular as the game it self then, you have to think like the fish. I recognise this will sound insane, but you have to pick out a quiet part of the move or lake faraway from jet skis, kiddies paddling or playful puppies while fishing for bass. Any exhilaration may additionally disillusioned the apple cart. If you had been the fish could you stick round with all of the commotion above water?

Another purpose why bass fishing at night time during the summer season can prove to be a kind of fisherman’s jackpot has to do with the behavior of the bass themselves. Bass favor to live cool, in order that they generally tend to move for the private waters that they are able to locate throughout the acute warmness of midday and afternoon. The deeper down within the pond the fish are lurking, the more difficult they’re to catch and reel in. This can lead to fruitless afternoons of sitting in the sweltering warmness and catching very little bass. However, for the duration of the cool nighttime hours, the bass come a lot extra effectively into shallow waters. This method that they are less difficult for sportsmen to find and to catch.

Although middle of the night bass fishing can be a whole lot greater profitable than looking to snag these elusive creatures throughout the day, there are some negative aspects to night fishing. One trouble that many sportsmen are amazed with the aid of at some stage in overdue night time expeditions is bugs. Be sure to % some trojan horse repellent that will help you emerge from your night at the water with out falling prey to mosquitoes and other warm climate pests. Another trouble to don’t forget is safety. Spending time in a ship when visibility is low because of the lack of light may be greater dangerous than boating at some stage in the daytime, so ensure to take all the important precautions to shield yourself and your fishing partners.

There are numerous categories of saltwater fishing mentioned in this text.

For starters, there may be the mild-medium class, which would consist of fishing for certain species including Snook, Redfish and Spotted Sea Trout. These fish and others on this category are generally caught in bays and other similar estuaries. Also included on this class could be inshore fish along with the Pompano. If you are fishing for these species to eat them, be aware that during summer season months redfish and trout will most probably incorporate worms.

A spinning reel within the magnificence of a Penn 710 or 712, or 4500ss spooled with a high-quality exceptional 10-pound test monofilament line works better along side mild to medium movement rod. Penn makes accurate best reels with a purpose to preserve up to the cruel saltwater fishing surroundings.

For terminal address you’ll begin through tying a surprise chief of approximately 18 inches using 20 pound test line or fluorocarbon. Fluorocarbon is slightly extra expensive but is considerably less seen to the fish. Attach the leader tying line to line or use a saltwater rated barrel swivel. For the hook you’ll higher use a 6/zero, preferably an Eagle Claw.

The second category afferent to saltwater fishing is the medium to heavy class for species such as Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, and smaller Jacks. These species of fish are most customarily determined close to shore regions of the Gulf of Mexico and on the Lower East Coast. In this magnificence you can additionally include the smaller “schoolie” King Mackerel below the felony size limit of 24”.

Do not neglect to first seek advice from a saltwater species ebook for knowing the distinction between the massive Spanish and juvenile Kingfish. They are extremely comparable. The easiest manner to tell the difference is that the Spanish Mackerel will have a “black flag”, at the anterior part of its dorsal fin in which the King Mackerel, excluding very younger fish, does now not have this unique element. The 2nd more reliable way to inform is by means of searching on the lateral line that runs down the frame. In a Spanish Mackerel this line drops step by step at the back of the pectoral fin while within the King Mackerel the road drops off sharply.

To be at the safe side, equip your self with a Penn 704 or comparable size device spooled with 12-15 lb take a look at coupled with a skinny twine leader of 20lb check or so. Check your nearby fishing guidelines for the most suitable hook, in Florida a small treble like a 2/0 is used.

From the moment the inshore internet bans were placed these species have come back greater abundantly than ever and you’re maximum certain to discover some. Keep in mind that Redfish, King Mackerel and Spanish Mackerel are migratory species so you will must affirm the seasonal availability for these species of fish.

Enjoy your fishing journey. Tight traces!

– cod
– tarpon
– eels
– sea catfish
– mackerel
– barracuda
– swordfish
– bass
– tuna
– sharks
– and lots of more varieties.

The Gear You Need

First and primary, you want an awesome high-quality rod. Go for eight and a half of to 9 ft. Also, insure it is right first-class as you may want the energy. In reels, you ought to go for the ones which can be protected from saltwater corrosion. Look for the ones crafted from stainless-steel, titanium or fiber/resin. Again, go with a great first-rate desire, one this is at the least $100. For your line, you’ll need a floating line for flat or shallow areas. For underwater fishing, go together with a clean, center ground line. Try out one of the clear, sink tip strains too. In leaders, you want an extended chief for a shy fish. For one that is toothy, go together with a thick leader. Also, flies. You will need to pick a variety of flies. You should buy them in a extensive range or search for those promoted by means of professional anglers.

Now, Casting

Have you finished any fly casting for trout? Yes? Then, you’ll haven’t any trouble. The aim is to move light. Don’t overline that is when you use a line this is over the advocated weight to your fishing rod. No experience? Try to take gain of some training before heading out or take a professional to train you.

When it comes to hooking your fish, don’t carry your rod excessive into the air. You don’t want to fight it. Try to disenchanted the fish’s swimming pattern through rolling it. When you are equipped to land it, preserve your rod tip low. If you high stick it, then you definately are in all likelihood to break your rod. Use a pair of pliers and gloves to make certain you don’t emerge as harm.

What To Bait With

You can use each stay and artificial bait in saltwater fishing. You can use live and herbal merchandise for a huge range of fish. Most will take shrimp and baitfish work well too. If you operate some thing that your fish could normally consume in his weight loss program, you are in all likelihood to get successful. This might be things like crayfish, crabs, oysters and crustacean. Make sure which you do now not obese it. The length of your hook must be the size of your bait.

All of this has you equipped to head out to enjoy the brilliant adventure of saltwater fishing. You can discover maximum of your device and an entire lot of facts online on your next saltwater ride.