I started keeping a fishing calendar this past year. My thinking was that I would somehow get to fish more. I was applying the business proverb of "that which gets measured gets done". Apparently this doesn't work as well on the home front. Actually, MOST of the leadership tactics I bring home from work become useless when they pass between my lot lines. Kind of a Bermuda Triangle of management principles I'd say. I'll share more on this once I... Read More
High fuel prices got you down?Imagine how most of us feel in the recreational fishing world.Let me explain.Here we are rounding into September, the time of year that all true "sport fishermen" look forward to. The weather is changing, and most summer crowds have gone home, leaving the rivers and lakes uncrowded and filled with frisky hungry fish readying themselves for the fall spawn and feedfest that takes place in fall.Most of us are not lucky enough to have a... Read More
Want to see what's really going on under the water or ice? You can eliminate some of the mystery beneath the water or ice and expand your knowledge by using an underwater fishing camera. An underwater fishing camera can be a wonderful tool and great fun too. An underwater camera can show you many things about your fishing techniques. It can be your eye underwater and you won't even get wet.See more fish, catch more fish, and have more fun... Read More
I just recently returned from my first fishing trip to Alaska.If you have ever dreamed of heading to the last frontier, but have continuously put it off because of this reason or that---STOP PUTTING IT OFF!!I myself, found reason after reason to delay one of my "dream trips" until I could no longer stand it any longer."Damn the time constraints and load up the Visa card boys--were headin' to Alaska!!"What I expected was a : 'you should have been here... Read More
The overhead cast is the most basic fly cast. Learn to execute it well and you will be able to easily adapt the skill to the side cast and backhand casting.Good casting starts with learning to grip a fly rod correctly and adopting the right stance to maintain comfort and balance.Gripping the Fly RodThe normal grip is with the thumb on top and slightly to the left of center (assuming a right-handed grip) so that the 'V' between the thumb... Read More
Everyone who fishes either for sport or fun knows that while fishing itself is simple, catching fish is not. There are times when we think we have it all figured out, then days go by without as much as a nibble. What has happened, did we lose our expertise? Are the fish getting smarter? Maybe it's the weather. In fact there are many factors that weigh into whether we are catching fish or just passing time. Even though there are... Read More
Thousands of years ago, the first inflatable boats, made from animal skins, were used for transportation. People used them to cross rivers, ferry goods to other locations, and move military troops. Over time, inflatable boats were adapted for recreational use as well, and for rescue operations. Today there are many types of inflatable boats and over a dozen ways they are used around the world.Different militaries across the globe helped bring inflatable boats to the public attention, and today the... Read More
Inflatable boats, also called rubber boats or dinghies, have been around in one form or another for thousands of years. They now come in many different sizes and models and include inflatable kayaks, sport boats, and inflatable catamarans. Their versatility and relatively low cost have contributed to their popularity, and more and more water enthusiasts are discovering the advantages of owing an inflatable boat.Evolution of the Inflatable BoatHistorical records indicate that the first inflatable boats were animal skins filled with... Read More
"FISH ON!!"I yelled, as my seven weight fly rod bent over and the line played it's magical tune of "zinging in the rain". It was hard to tell just how big the fish was or if it was a Rainbow or big Dolly Varden.Hooking a big upper Kenai river trout in fast water doesn't leave much time for species identification."Hang on to it-we'll chase it and go land it in some calmer water." said Allen, who was behind the sticks... Read More
As the landscape of the World Wide Web changes at lightning speed, so do many online trends. Communication and the exchange of information have become instantaneous and the rate at which we can find and receive information is incredible. A recent trend that has caught on with online anglers "fishing" for more information is online fishing forums.There are many websites that offer online fishing forums where anglers can talk and discuss in an organized environment about the topics that appeal... Read More
Just when you thought you had seen it all. Just when you thought what in the world can I get for a unique and different Christmas present,Fathers Day gift,or executive gift-- along comes a fun and unique gift just in time for this years' Christmas season. FLY TACKS, a new product from TWO GUYS WITH FLYS, INK, previously the makers of nothing!! FLY TACKS are handsomely, hand-tied flies from Oregon, that are PUSHPINS. That's right, no more boring bulletin boards... Read More
Lakes in certain parts of the country contain more than something you want in your livewell. Alligators. They can be no more obvious than a rock or a log, so be careful. You want to get a bite, not get bit. Let me share one of my bass fishing experiences with you. This is bayou country. When I go to the lakes south of Houston, I have to watch for gators. So I'm always... Read More
First of all, we need to look at the word ... recreation. When I break it down, it comes out re-creation. What this means to me is a re-creating of myself; a way to get away from it all and do some soul searching and some thinking and ... re-create my ideas, inspirations and motivations; a break in the pattern that allows me to reconsider things in my life and make adjustments. But the... Read More
Having been an avid basser for years, and not having the wherewithal to purchase a boat, I've often felt cheated and frustrated about not being able to get out to deeper waters (where I was certain the real bass were). Having succumbed to this delimma for some 40 years or more, I finally had something come my way that I never knew existed: my local bass fishing club. I mean, I knew bass clubs existed, but I... Read More
Great fishing supplies are an essential when it comes to netting the big game out at the lake or the stream. You can't expect the fish to bite, though, if you don't bring your A game. And a big part of a top-notch game is the right gear--from rods and reels, to lines, lures, and tackle boxes.On the other hand, even some weekend warrior with the most advanced, most pricey equipment won't last very long on the lake if he... Read More
You have just rolled out of bed, poured you coffee and there it is. You knew it was coming, but it is real, it is here. What am I talking about? It's not taxes, the Grim Reaper or even your in-laws coming for an extended stay. It is the first foggy Fall morning. If you have spent any time in the Northwest you know what that means. From here on out the weather will never get quite as hot as... Read More
Picking a fly fishing rod is a tricky endeavor. Do you go with your ego, expected fishing environment or something else? While length is a factor, the bend or action of the rod is a key factor.FlexibilityFly fishing rods are often defined by their flexibility. In laymen's terms, flexibility means how far the rods will bend when the same casting effort is used.Minimal BendA fly fishing rod that has minimum bend is often called a "fast" rod. The lack of... Read More
Should you approach the fishing industry for sponsorship?First let's look at it from the lure manufacturer's standpoint. Just think of your favorite lure manufacturer for a minute. Now imagine that you work at their plant. One of your jobs may be to sort through the hundreds of emails, hundreds of faxes, and hundreds of letters each day from anglers seeking sponsorship via products and or cash. Included in those communications you will also find donation requests from - fishing clubs,... Read More
If you are like me, you love to fish at the drop of a hat. While I do plan fishing trips, I also like to go on a whim.Sometimes the urge strikes out of nowhere and I get up and go right now. Or, maybe I want to stop on the way home from work (or go instead of work like any bass fisherman worth his salt would do).But then again, living in the city, there are not many places... Read More
Sometimes bass fishing in a big lake can be overwhelming. Do you fish deep? Fish the banks? Are they out in open water? What? This will depend on the lake, the time of year, the time of day and many other factors such as air and water temperature. There is no short answer; no hard and fast rule. But mostly, to put yourself on fish, you are going to be looking for cover and structure. ... Read More
