How to Understand the Sport of Fishing
Every year more than thirty million people in the United States go fishing. Behind this vast migration to our streams, lakes, bays, and oceans, there lies a greater motivation than the desire for food and exercise. It is simply that fishing is fun – so much fun that it is one of the nation’s fastest growing family sports.
The fact that fishing is no longer the exclusive preserve of males accounts for this rapid rise in popularity. Today mothers and daughters are discovering the pleasures that fathers and sons have traditionally recognized – and the sport is proving a recreation that can truly be enjoyed by the whole family.
There are three basic methods of fishing:
Still fishing. This is the simplest, often the starting point of one’s interest in the sport. The equipment required is elementary: a rod – this can range from expensive fishing tackle to a bamboo pole; a length of line; a float or bobber; and a hook. The hook carries natural bait – worms, minnows, hellgrammites, crayfish, grubs, and insects – and lies static beneath the water until a fish bites.
Trolling. In this method, the hook, with bait or artificial lure attached, is drawn through the water by a slow-moving boat. Trolling is practiced on the ocean, on freshwater lakes, and in rivers that are wide enough and deep enough to give your lure unobstructed passage.
Casting. Here the angler employs the action of his rod to “throw” an artificial lure over the water, then retrieve the lure so that it imitates the action of live bait. (At times, live bait is cast in the same manner.) The principal casting techniques are bait, spin, and fly casting for freshwater fish, and surf casting in salt water.
The question that’s often put to me is, “Why bother to learn to cast when you can just drop a line in the water and still fish?” There are three obvious answers that come to mind immediately, and a dozen more that may occur to any of you who have tried both methods.
First, it’s much more fun and more sporting to catch a fish by casting. Second, when casting, you can present your lure in good fishing spots that can’t be reached by still fishing. Third, while the still-fisherman can present his bait only to the fish in his immediate vicinity, the caster can reach much farther, has a greater potential number of fish within his range. His chances of taking a trophy catch – the ultimate goal of nine out of ten anglers – increase correspondingly.
In almost all states there are open and closed seasons on many fresh-water species; before you fish any waters be sure the season is open for the species you plan to catch. (If a fish is caught that is protected by a closed season, it must be released immediately.) This is especially true when you plan a trip to out-of-state waters.
To obtain this information, write to the Director of the Conservation Department of the state where you are planning to fish. A letter so addressed, sent to the state capital, will reach the proper source. Ask (1) for a free copy of that state’s fishing laws; (2) for information about license fees and data on the open and closed seasons (usually contained in the law booklet); (3) what weeks are best for given species; and (4) where the best fishing and accommodations can be found.
Nobody would expect to play baseball in the major leagues as soon as he bought his first glove, and no golfer would expect to win the National Open as soon as he has acquired his first clubs. Bring the same patience and persistence to fishing as you would to these other sports: you’ll be in the ranks of the expert a lot sooner than you would expect. And we confirmed fishermen are anxious to have you join us.
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Kansas Walleye Fishing – Where to Fish Walleye in Kansas
When you think about Kansas, many anglers forget about Kansas walleye fishing. Well you should find out more information before you write Kansas off the list of places to fish. The walleye population in Kansas has grown over the years and is attracting anglers from all over.
Since walleyes love the deeper lakes that have sandy bottoms and rock formations, many of the Kansas areas lakes and rivers are a feeding ground for walleye. They like the colder water temperatures, but have adapted to Kansas water temperatures, which are warmer is seems. The walleye tend to head for the streams connected to the lakes for spawning during the spring.
In Kansas, the anglers are using grubs, plastic worms, spinner bait, spoons, crank bait as well as live bait. During the spring months, anglers are using plastic worms, small crank baits and smaller jigs to catch the walleye that are in shallow waters as well as moderately deep waters. The prime areas are areas that are protected such as underwater timber and gravel ledges. During the summer months, Kansas anglers are fishing the shallows in the morning hours moving into deep waters as the sun comes up. Unbelievably they are using lures that resemble the crawfish to hook the walleyes.
During the fall months, they are fishing Kansas Rivers and lakes with spoons, crank baits and jigs. The winter months, the anglers use plastic worms, spoons and jigs. Clinton Lake is a popular lake for walleye fishing. Fly-fishing is the popular way to hook the walleye, but do not be surprised if you catch a catfish as well. Another hotspot in Kansas is Cedar Bluff. They are catching walleye that are as large as twenty-two inches and weighting in at six pounds. The Cedar Bluff Reservoir is located in Trego County.
Some anglers say the Page Cove is a good area to fish for walleye. The water is about thirty feet deep and it does have some underwater structures that the walleye find appealing. They stay that around the middle of May is a good time to catch a walleye with a jig and minnow or by trolling with Shad Raps. You might even find that you will have the area to yourself, since the falls months find anglers in the woods for other sport hunting. When fishing at Cedar Bluff, you should use a depth finder. The local anglers recommend this.
Another hotspot in Kansas is Cheney Lake. You will find over two miles of dam area to fish for walleye. Everyone knows that the walleye like to spawn by dams, therefore, in the spring during spawning, Cheney Lake is a great place to hook the nice pump walleye. There is a limit of two walleye a day and they have to twenty-one inches or longer to keep, but they are finding them in the lake. During the summer months, trolling the lake works the best with white, gray and silver colored lures. If you work the dam to your best ability, you are going to find some nice sized walleyes.
Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best walleye fishing information possible. Go to http://www.askwalleyefishing.com/editorials/where-to-fish-walleye-in-kansas.html for more information on Kansas walleye fishing.
Lake Erie Walleye Fishing Charters to Choose From
Lake Erie walleye fishing charters are available to help you to enjoy the fish filled waters of this favorite lake of many anglers.
There are plenty of great charters to select from when you want to enjoy walleye fishing on this lake. In fact, no matter which state or city you are coming from off the lake, chances are there is a great fishing charter available to you.
There are so many reputable charter companies who do an excellent job providing fishing trips for their clients, and it is always a great idea to choose one of the reputable charter companies that have withstood the test of time when you are planning a fishing trip. This advice stands for fishermen of all skills and experience levels as well.
From the novice to the most experienced angler, a well chosen fishing expedition at the hands of skilled professionals can make the difference between an enjoyable, successful adventure and one that is less than enjoyable.
To ensure one of the most successful charters available, stick with reputable charter companies such as Lake Erie Ohio Walleye Fishing Charters.
This charter specializes in helping anglers achieve their dreams of trophy sized catches of steelhead, perch, and walleye on Lake Erie, with a focus on safety.
This charter boat and crew are on the lake every single day, and feel confident that they have what it takes to get you on the water and get the trophy catch you dream of in the boat! For more information, you can go to www.walleyecharter.com and check out the website for Trophy Charter Boat Fishing, and Captain Keith Unkefer’s 41 foot Viking Yacht simply named “Pooh Bear”.
Another reputable Lake Erie fishing charter is JTCharters. Lake Erie Fishing Charters, Captain Tucholski and crew have a proven success record of providing anglers with satisfying charter trips on Lake Erie to catch walleye, small mouth bass, and perch. This is a full time, year round, charter that is family owned and operated.
Nothing beats experience, and this charter boasts over twenty-five years of experience right there on Lake Erie. Especially if you only get an opportunity to fish a couple of times a year, a charter will provide you with the optimum experience available without your having the expense and work of maintaining your own fishing vessel and equipment.
This charter company states that their objective is to provide customers with such a great fishing experience that they come back year after year for a repeat performance.
Another good choice when planning a fishing trip on Lake Erie is Wanna Walleye Charters. This charter welcomes beginners as well as experienced anglers, and states that they have fished this Walleye Capitol (Lake Erie) of the world long enough and well enough to provide anglers with the best experience possible whether you are planning a solitary get away, a fishing trip with business associates, or a family affair.
They provide state of the art electronics and fishing gear aboard their clean and comfortable thirty foot Sportscraft. They have private toilets and other amenities for your comfort, as well as being inspected for safety by the coast guard.
Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best walleye fishing information possible. Go to http://www.askwalleyefishing.com/editorials/choose-lake-erie-walleye-fishing-charters.html for more information on Lake Erie walleye fishing.
Winter Fishing Tips and Jigs for Crappie
Crappie fishing in winter can be a daunting challenge but cheer up there is help. Super crappie fishing really begins after the ice is long gone in the spring but its cold now and we are hungry for that clean white morsel of meat.
So you ask how to catch the little guys and how to get that pan fish in your pan and when ice fishing there are only a few key items to consider: bait, location and ice.
When it is cold the fish are slower and their hunting patterns change. Do not forget this – EVER. We are not much different, we like our ice cream in the summer and chili in winter. Keep this in mind when fishing in any water temperature. Use fast baits in warmer waters and slower baits in colder waters.
When the waters are cooler and sometimes frozen everything below the surface moves slower so when choosing jigs pick ones that move slower, this means lighter weight too as it will not sink so fast. Many of the plastic jigs will move smoothly through the water, this is a great advantage in the spring months, but not so much in the colder waters.
Feathered jigs once wet will also smooth out and move quickly through the water but an artificial feather sometimes will fall slower than most plastics. Do not forget either that plastics will get stiffer when they get colder and this is part of the reason that smaller jigs work well in the colder waters.
When the water temperatures drop below 50 degrees crappie will seek shelter in almost any structure they can find, so choose a bait that will be found in shelter they are hiding in. Most waters will get a little clearer when they ice over. When this happens use smaller jigs.
I would also suggest using really light colors on the jig like yellows and whites. Some of the smaller plastics seem to work well for me I like to use smaller grubs or tubes. When I know the water is clear I start with white or very light colors and work towards darker colors. But as the visibility of the water changes go with a color that is only slightly lighter.
Remember most bait fish or insects are really trying to blend in to the background so you want to stand out just a little bit more. It really is not that hard when the waters are green use a slightly lighter green jig. But if the waters or currents are really active use a stiff plastic jig and if the waters are still use a feathered jig because they will look more lively.
Another good trick is to use a light colored body with a medium contrasting head. For example use a yellow grub with a red head or reverse it. But I’ve haven had a lot of success using opposite colors like red with green.
I know we do not carry a color wheel, although it might help, in our tackle box but if the color combination seems unnatural chances are the crappie might think so as well. You can use opposite colors if there is a gradient between the colors. Just avoid sharp contrasting colors as these do not appear readily in nature.
Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best crappie fishing information possible. Go to http://www.askcrappiefishing.com/editorials/winter-fishing-tips-and-jigs-for-crappie.html for more information on crappie fishing tips.