The Management Consulting Group

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 government still uses inflatable boats for troop transport, special military operations, and drug and other law enforcement activities. In addition, inflatable boats are also used in search and rescue operations, fisheries patrol and security patrol. They are also used as tenders on large yachts and ships.

On the recreational side, inflatable boats can be used for diving, fishing, pleasure boating, river rafting, water skiing, and many other water activities that involve a boat. Consumers can also purchase inflatable kayaks, canoes, and sailboats.

Because there are so many different types of inflatable boats and a variety of ways they can be used, it is important to be familiar with the specific operating instructions for your particular model and situation. However, there are a few general use guidelines that apply to most, if not all, inflatable boats.

Inflating

• When inflating your raft or boat, many manufacturers recommend filling each air chamber in a clockwise pattern around the boat, just until the craft takes shape. Then work your way back around the boat filling the chambers to the pressure level indicated for that particular boat.

• If the floor of the boat is inflatable, add air until the pressure relief valve releases a small amount of air.

• Don’t overfill. A properly inflated boat should have just a bit of give.

• Be aware that air temperature causes changes in the air pressure in the inflatable chambers. Many boaters fill their inflatable boats in the morning when the air is cool. But as the temperature increases over the course of the day, the air in the tubes expands, increasing the pressure. If a tube or chamber becomes too pressurized, it can explode if struck by a sharp object. You may have to let some air out at different points throughout the day if you operate your inflatable boat or inflatable kayak in the hot sun.

• Most inflatable boats deflate simply by opening the air valves.

Standard Precautions

• Because punctures are the main concern with inflatable boats, it is important to protect if from sharp objects. Use care when transporting diving knives, spears, fishing hooks, and other objects that could puncture the skin of the inflatable boat. Watch for barnacles and sharp metal or wood when tying your boat to the dock, and avoid dragging the boat over rocks and shells when landing on a beach.

• Even dull objects such as oars, ropes, or coolers can cause abrasion and deterioration of the coating material if allowed to rub for an extended period of time.

• It also is important to rinse out your inflatable boat or inflatable kayak after each use. Sand and gravel can cause abrasion and plug air valves. If left to soak into an inflatable boat, salt water can cause the material to deteriorate.

Caring For Your Inflatable Boat

• Cleaning: Armorall and other oil-based products can damage the rubber or fabric over time and prevent patches from sticking. Mild dish soap is best for cleaning your inflatable boat. There are also several cleaners designed specifically for inflatable boats.

• Storage: Because uninflated boats are more vulnerable to damage, many manufacturers recommend that you store the boat partially inflated and covered with a tarp. If this is not possible, completely deflate the boat and be sure it is dry and clean before rolling and storing in the carrying bag. If you plan to store your inflatable boat on a trailer, be sure there are no bends or kinks in the boat.

• Repairs: Sometimes, even with the best of care and safety precautions, your inflatable boat can develop a puncture or leak. Unless you have a major and obvious accident, it may be difficult to determine the location of the leak. While the boat is inflated, wipe it with soapy water and watch for bubbles to form on the surface of the boat as a result of escaping air. Don’t assume there is only one leak. Check the entire boat with soapy water to be sure before setting out on the water.

Many manufacturers recommend that you bring your boat to a professional for larger repairs, because it can be difficult to get a good seal with a patch. However, if you have a small puncture or are in a situation where you need to make immediate repairs, follow the directions on the patch kit. Some basic tips include:

-Ensure that the surface is clean and dry before applying the patch
-Be sure the adhesive is sufficiently tacky before applying the patch
-Choose a patch that extends at least three inches beyond the rip in all directions

If your inflatable boat has rough or cracked areas that are filled with tiny pinhole leaks, this is an indication that the coating on the material has aged or become damaged by sunlight, saltwater, overheating or some other type of wear and tear. While you may be able to patch some of these leaks, it is best to replace the inflatable boat if other areas show signs of wear.

Inflatable boats, canoes, and kayaks have many advantages over traditional watercraft, however, because of their special design and materials, they can require more care and maintenance. But as this article describes, it is not difficult to care for an inflatable boat, and most problems can be avoided by using common sense and by developing a consistent routine. If properly cared for, inflatable boats can provide you with years of service and recreational fun without the expense associated with traditional watercraft.

About the Author:

C.J. Gustafson is a successful writer for Inflatable-Boats-N-Kayaks.com, providing consumer information on inflatable boats and kayaks,

inflatable catamarans and

boating accessories. She and
her family make frequent fishing trips to Canada’s backcountry. The numerous
portages required to reach some of the smaller lakes have made her especially
appreciative of the lightweight, compact design of most
inflatable boats.

Copyright 2005 Inflatable-Boats-N-Kayaks.com

Permission is granted to publish this article on your site only if the
author’s byline is included and all links are hyperlinked.

Spring is fast approaching the great lands of Alaska and spring is
synonymous with fishing in Alaska. Many cold dark months have been spent
dreaming about the end of winter, the break-up of ice and the emerging fry from
the many streams across Alaska. Emerging fry in Alaska means feeding frenzies that
can test the nerves of the most seasoned angler. These frenzies occur in many
different types of watersheds but for this article we will focus on estuaries where a
river or creek meets the sea and where Dolly Varden come to feed.

Estuaries throughout Alaska become fish magnets as the snowmelt fills
the rivers. Often times rivers and creeks are tough to fish this time of year because
of this increase in water flow. Inquisitive anglers, who tend to rush the season a bit,
found long ago the opportunities provided by this natural occurrence so vital to the
life cycle of so many fish, birds and other animals residing close to these rivers and
creeks but don’t expect open conversations about these early spring haunts as they
seem to be some of the last remaining secrets among anglers. I do not intend on
giving away any spots in this article but I assure you there are more than enough to
go around in Alaska and some that get little or no pressure from other anglers.

To understand the reasons for the great fishing at these estuaries one
must first learn why. Throughout the summer, salmon move up stream to lay eggs.
These eggs provide the Dollies with much needed protein to survive the long winter
months but that is for another article. These eggs hatch into what is called an
alevin, which is a small salmon with its egg sac still attached. The content of the egg
sac is consumed as they begin to grow into fry. Most of the fry and alevins remain in
the fresh water for a few seasons with the exception of the Chum salmon which
journey to at least the brackish water provided by the estuary where they will reside
until mature enough to journey to the open ocean.

The Snow high in the Southeast Alaska mountains begin to melt in March
through early May, depending on the season. The run-off from this snowmelt
creates higher flow rates within these watersheds causing even more difficulties for
the immature salmon trying to survive. This cycle begins the angling season in
Alaska and anglers should be there to take advantage of this great opportunity. The
action seen at these estuaries are second to none and occur well in advance of the
on-slaught of tourist that flock to Alaska each summer.

Dolly Varden are aggressive and willing to attack anything resembling a
young salmon. Anything from streamers at the end of a fly line to spoons on a
spinning outfit will work great for these tenacious creatures, which are a member of
the char family. My weapon of choice has got to be the fly rod. With a fly the angler
can vary the presentation on every cast. Variations of the presentations will help the
angler entice many more strikes than with a spoon or spinner. Let us look at the
reasons why.

With a spoon or spinner your presentation is pretty much cast and
retrieve. The weight of the spoon or spinner limits your ability to vary your
presentation throughout the retrieve. In order to keep your presentation up in the
water column, where the Dollies are and the bottom feeders aren’t, you must
perform a fast retrieve throughout the presentation. Rests assure you can and will
catch many Dollies in this manner but the fly allows for various presentations even
within the same cast. Here are some of the presentations allowed by the fly.

FAST STRIP: The fast strip retrieve is a good presentation to start with in
your selected estuary or stream. A fast retrieve is performed by completing the cast
and immediately beginning the retrieve with a long strip with the only hesitation
being the brief moment it takes to move your stripping hand up the line. This
retrieve will present the fly on or just below the surface of the water and can entice
some tremendous strikes so be ready and check your nerves at the truck. The
reason this technique is a good one to begin with is that it entices the more
aggressive fish first. These may be the only fish of the many below that will attack a
fast stripped fly on or near the surface. This is important and can allow you more
productive fishing time in one spot. If you were to use one of the following
presentations what you would see is the aggressive fish taking the fly but running
off the less aggressive fish in the process and possibly running those fish to another
area, which could be out of your range even with spinning gear. So keep the less
aggressive fish nearby by targeting the aggressive fish on the surface where there is
little or no competition from below.

PAUSE STRIP: The pause strip is a great retrieve and has really brought
many Dollies to hand. The pause strip retrieve can be performed in many fashions.
One may make two fast strips immediately then pause or one might wait a few
seconds to allow the fly to sink to a certain depth before beginning the pause strip.
Whether fast strip then pause or slow strip three pulls then pause, it is all up to the
angler to try different variations in order to get a strike.

SLOW STRIP: The slow strip is the best finish up retrieve for a certain
spot. In the off chance that the bite slows while using the other strips and variation
of those strips the slow strip just may entice a few more strikes and often times
they can be the largest fish in the area as the same holds true for many of Alaska’s
sport fish as the larger fish will refuse, with good reason, to expend too much
energy chasing a meal that may not even replenish them with the energy burned to
catch them. So, as your nerves begin to settle back to normal and two or three fat
Dollies are in the creel for supper it is time to relax and meticulously cover the area
with the slow strip retrieve. The name is self-explanatory but there are several
variations of the retrieve worth noting. The slow strip retrieve may begin with two
lightning fast strips followed by a countdown then the slow strip that may include a
pause or two on the way in. The important thing is to remember that the majority of
the retrieve should be slow. This allows the fish to decide if it wants to expend the
energy needed to take your presentation, that decision is based on how the fly is
moving through the water. There are many more strips out there to try but these
three and the many variations within can be more than enough to provide many
hours of fish fighting fun
. One question that is brought up in angling circles is which fly line to use.
Well I have to say I personally have refused to allow the many hundreds of fly line
types to interfere with my sanity and so I have one spool of floating and one spool
of sinking. Add a weighted fly or a split shot to either the floating or the sinking line
and you have several different presentations at your disposal. Now having said that
there are times when a special situation presents itself and you may be forced to
purchase a special line for that particular circumstance. Often times, in those
situations, you may be introduced to a line you did not even know existed and
unless you are going to fish that same locale later on you may never find a reason to
purchase that line again but you know its out there.

Flies for Dollies can really vary throughout the season but during early
spring only a few stands out. Remember, during early spring Dollies are feeding on
fry and alevins. Streamers are the most effective during this time as the fish are
somewhat aggressive and hungry and tend to focus on the most abundant forage at
the time, which are these young salmon. One important factor to consider is color.
Dollies have been known to prefer a certain color not just from day to day but even
hour to hour. So fill the fly box with several streamers of different colors and take
advantage of this early season and crowd less, angling opportunity.

http://www.ramblingangler.com

Before 1939 there was no universal code of sporting ethics to guide ocean anglers in their pursuits. Some rules pertaining to sporting conduct were in effect at certain well-established fishing clubs but they varied according to the dictates of each club. The idea of a worldwide association of marine anglers had been brewing for some time in England, Australia, and the United States, and the first steps in this direction were taken in the late 1930’s by members of the British Tunny Club who hoped to establish headquarters in England to formulate rules for ethical engling. The threat of war, however, interrupted their plans.

At that same time, Michael Lerner was organizing a fishing expedition to the waters of Australia and New Zealand in conjunction with the American Museum of Natural History in New York. He heard of the British Tunny Club’s plans, and when he arrived in Australia he looked up one of the country’s finest anglers, Clive Firth, to discuss the idea with him. Firth was well aware of the angling feats of Californians, Floridians, Long Islanders and others. He felt that England and her colonies would accept American judgement as sporting and impartial, and that Americans should be the ones to devise and administer these ethical angling rules.

Dr. William King Gregory, head of the Departments of Ichthyology and Comparative Anatomy at the American Museum of Natural History, also was a member of the Australia-New Zealand expedition. He was particularly enthusiastic about the idea of a worldwide sport fishing association headquartered in the United States, and immediately suggested that it might be possible to affiliate such an organization with the Museum. His interest in such an association and the information it could provide to scientists was the beginning of IGFA’s lasting connection with scientists and scientific institutions.

When the members of the Australia-New Zealand expedition returned to the U. S., letters were written to outstanding anglers, fishing clubs, and tackle manufacturers soliciting their opinions regarding the formation of an international association of marine angling clubs. The response was highly favorable and on June 7, 1939, the International Game Fish Association was formally launched in a meeting held at the American Museum of Natural History. Present were William King Gregory (who became the first president of the association), Michael Lerner, angler/writer Van Campen Heilner, and Francesca LaMonte, Associate Curator of Fishes for the Museum and science leader of several of the Lerner expeditions.

Another immediate task was to notify scientific institutions and fishing clubs throughout the world about IGFA, its activities and intentions. By January 1940, only a few months after that first meeting, there were two associated scientific institutions, 10 member clubs, and 12 overseas representatives. By 1948, the numbers had grown to 10 scientific institutions, 80 member clubs, and IGFA representatives in 41 areas of the world. Clive Firth of Australia was elected IGFA’s first overseas representative, and others were chosen in Nigeria, New Zealand, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Chile, Costa Rica, the Canal Zone, Cuba, Hawaii, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Among the first associated clubs were the Catalina Tuna Club, Miami Beach Rod and Reel Club, Cape Breton Big Game Anglers Association, Long Island Tuna Club, Atlantic City Tuna Club, Freeport Tuna Club, and Beach Haven Tuna Club.

As news of the IGFA spread, other noted sportsmen and scientists were drawn to its administration. Among the early officers were Ernest Hemingway, Philip Wylie, B. David Crowninshield, and Charles M. Breder, Jr., who served as Chairman of the Committee on Scientific Activities.

Michael Lerner financed the operations of the International Game Fish Association from its inception, and when Dr. Gregory retired from the Museum staff in 1944, Lerner took over responsibility for the IGFA presidency as well. Since then, William K. Carpenter, Elwood K. Harry, Michael Leech, and Rob Kramer have served as IGFA presidents. The physical location of IGFA headquarters changed as well through the last six decades: in the late 1950s IGFA moved from New York to Florida, first to Miami, then in 1967 to Fort Lauderdale, in 1992 to Pompano Beach, and in 1999 to the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach.

However, two of the most significant events affecting the association since 1939 occurred in the 1970s. Early in that decade E. K. Harry, then IGFA vice president, proposed opening the organization to individual membership to insure its continued funding, unify international anglers, and inform a much larger audience of the problems threatening fishery resources. Then, in 1978, Field & Stream magazine officially turned over its record-keeping responsibilities to IGFA. Thus the membership-driven organization that IGFA is today, responsible for all saltwater and freshwater world records and for spreading awareness of fishery and conservation issues to fishermen around the world, was formed.

Steve vonBrandt
Sponsored by: GYCB (Yamamoto),Okuma, Delaware Tackle, TTI-Blakemore, and Ambush Lures.

Steve is the owner of Reeltime Anglers Guide Service in Wilmington, Delaware, Anglers Radio in Delaware and New Jersey, Reeltimeanglers, Bass Lure Review, and Delaware Tackle in Delaware. He also is a tournament angler and freelance outdoor writer. He has over 40 years of fishing experience in the Northeast, 5 years exp. in California. He has fished freshwater and saltwater since 1962, and has devoted to freshwater only since 1989. http://www.reeltimeanglers.com

One of the greatest thrills in Pacific Northwest fly fishing is bringing large anadramous fish to a surface fly. While surface fishing in the saltwater is not as popular as subsurface fly fishing, feeding saltwater coho salmon will take a popper quite aggressively. Neah Bay is the best place to cast flies for coho salmon in Washington State, and I believe it’s also the best place to catch coho / silver salmon on a cast popper.

Of course, there’s a long tradition of trolling flies on the surface in the Pacific Northwest. But there’s a move away from trolling (which I do not believe is fly fishing) to casting and retrieving surface poppers in the Pacific Northwest.

First things first, fishing a popper for saltwater salmon is going to lower the number of fish you hook most of the time. If numbers of fish are your goal, I still recommend fishing a sinking line and a baitfish pattern, such as a clouser minnow. Surface fishing in the Pacific Ocean for feeding salmon is not about numbers of salmon hooked. You will have lots of follows, slashes, and boils at your fly. But out of all the interest, most of the salmon will not grab the fly. This is what makes this type of fishing so much fun. You watch the fish follow, and attempt to entice the salmon by slowing down or speeding up the retrieve (some days faster works, other days slower works). It is truly one of the greatest fishing thrills in the Pacific Northwest.

For this fishing, I prefer fishing 30’ shooting head fly lines. Fishing surface flies for saltwater salmon offshore of Neah Bay demands long casts. Basically, the more line you can throw, the more fish you will bring to the surface. I believe that shooting head fly lines give you the most distance with the least effort, especially considering a rolling deck and persistent winds. I like a .30 diameter floating running line. It gives you distance but without the tangling drawbacks of amnesia or other running lines. Remember, fly lines in a boat seem to seek out tangles. I use buckets with weighted bases to hold the fly line when casting and stripping the fly back along the surface.

An important part of popper fishing for salmon is the retrieve. I like a steady retrieve that makes the fly slowly wake along the surface, slowly covering productive fish holding water. The slow retrieve also gives following fish more time to make a decision to strike. It seems that fish will stop following once the fly gets within 10-20 feet of the boat (another reason to practice casting). To get this retrieve, I will tuck the fly rod under my arm and do a two-handed retrieve. This retrieve gives the angler more control and allows you to have that steady retrieve the coho salmon seem to love. Of course, like all fishing there are exceptions to every rule, so don’t be afraid to pop the surface fly instead of the steady retrieve. It may be just the ticket when the salmon won’t go for the typical retrieve. Coho fishing success is all about fishing hard and a willingness to experiment.

Like many forms of fishing that are less effective, popper fishing does require some dedication. Stick with it, even if you know for certain you are going to catch more fish by grabbing your other rod rigged with a sinking line and a baitfish pattern. You will rise coho salmon when you least expect it, and you will gain the most important thing when it comes to popper fishing for coho salmon…. Confidence! Confidence is the key to true success in fishing poppers in the saltwater.

I hope you learned a few things about popper fishing for coho salmon at Neah Bay. It is the most challenging way of hooking feeding salmon in the saltwater.

Chris Bellows, owner of Topwater Charters, Inc, which runs fly fishing charters off the Washington Coast. His websites offer more information about Saltwater Fly Fishing and Neah Bay Halibut Fishing

Alaska is becoming a vacation destination thanks to its unique landscape and location combined with an abundance of activities the entire family can enjoy. Salt water fishing has become a popular tourist attraction as the cold, deep oceans that border Alaska offer some of the finest fishing opportunities in the world.

Charter fishing boats have become big business in this once isolated part of the world and many people are leaving their concerns at home and taking a week or more off to take advantage of some of the most unique fishing opportunities available. Complete packages are now available for purchase through travel agents and online booking sites that let you customize a unique ocean adventure to test your skills casting a line in the waters around Alaska.

Many packages include a relaxing, entertaining cruise to the region where you will then spend several days trying to reel in the next big one. The entire family can enjoy the relaxing getaway as dad enjoys the ocean waters with other fisherman mom and children can explore a wonderful array of shopping, cultural and educational opportunities on the mainland. At night everyone can reconvene about the cruise ship or back at a local hotel to enjoy family time and entertainment that can extend well into the night.

This year extend your horizons and discover a part of America that few will ever get to see. Where else will you ever get to experience six months of continuous daylight? Packages to the northernmost state are comparable with traditional vacation getaways and can provide an experience that you will never forget.

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 around the office. Who wouldn’t like to have the latest company memo held in place by the ever present – GREEN BUTTED SKUNK? Everyone will notice the latest pay scale increases when they are posted by the always popular – EGG SUCKING LEECH. Got a co-worker that always claims he couldn’t find your message? Stick it to his pile with a MUDDLER MINNOW, and he is sure to get the point!!!!

All kidding aside, fishermen and non-fishermen alike, will enjoy these conversation pieces,and the gold plated pushpins are a handsome addition to any bulletin board.

FLY TACKS are the brainstorm of two really bored fishermen in Oregon who obviously have been spending too much time playing with their flies. After deciding their flies were obviously not going to catch any fish, they found the best use for them – holding up their losing lottery tickets, and thus FLY TACKS were born.

The two corporate moguls, who obviously have no sense of timing, have come out with their product just in time to miss all the Christmas catalogs. They have no budget for advertising and are hoping to cash in on the lucrative free business article strategy. Stoly Hackle, winner of the annual CEO coin flip, is hoping to get thousands of orders so P.D. Good, Production Manager, will be forced to spend the holidays assembling FLY TACKS in his living room. Not to mention the five-dollar bet that Hackle will cash in on if he manages to get five orders from this venture.
FLY TACKS are the perfect gift for every fisherman or fisherwomen on your holiday giving list. FLY TACKS make a great conversation piece in the office, and are the perfect way to liven up the usually dull bulletin board. Your boss will love them!

Fly Tacks have already been featured in numerous newspapers,like the Times Picayune,Reno Gazette, and Sacramento Bee.The “Two Guys” have appeared on the Portland Oregon morning show as well as several radio interviews.They have even been recommended by Cosmopolitan Magazine as: “One of the gifts to get that NEW GUY you are dating.”

If you can’t trust Cosmo–who can you trust!!!

TWO GUYS WITH FLYS, INK. also have t-shirts and bumper stickers available, as well as several other fly products. All flys are beautifully hand-tied. Some are tied by” ex-friends” who had to meet the original deadline for production!!

FLY TACKS come in two flavors – I mean styles, TROUT FLY TACKS and STEELHEAD FLY TACKS. For $19.95 + $5.00 shipping, handling, and first aid costs. You will receive four beautifully hand-tied flys on gold plated push pins, sent to you in a plastic case, which can be used as a fly box for your “outdoor fly experiences.”

If you get tired of looking at those flys on your bulletin board–simply grab a hammer and destroy your fly tack–and you will have common ordinary hand tied flys that you can go fishing with. PLUS you still have 4 gold plated pushpins that a guy named “Franco” in Rhode Island worked so hard to produce… BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE… no wait….. I guess there isn’t more–so hurry up and order before P.D. does that “nanner-nanner I told you so thing”– I hate that.

Order from: TWO GUYS WITH FLYS, INK., 9 east 4th st., Medford, Or. 97501 www.twoguyswithflys.com

Or you can call a live person at: 541-941-0139

“Used” Fly Tacks available for media upon written request.

A.J. Klott
Author, writer of fishing humor,and “fly tack” peddler.A.J. writes about the people,characters and modern day events that surround the fishing world. His first book is due out in December of 2005.
If you need a laugh or a fun gift, visit his website at:
http://www.twoguyswithflys.com

While it may be true that some 10 million salt water fish are kept as pets in the United States, saltwater fish are primarily harvested for fishermen looking to sell and eat their catch.

Besides the fact that saltwater fishing is one of the more enjoyable activities, saltwater fish are one of the more nutritionally abundant fish when compared to others (e.g. freshwater fish).

Much has been said about the benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids that are found in saltwater fish, like Salmon and Tuna. These fatty acids do wonders for the body by supplying it with the essential nutrients that can help curve the threat of cardiovascular disease and mental impairments, like Alzheimer’s disease. DHA—a specific kind of omega-3 fatty acid—is particularly important to pregnant women in a baby’s brain and retinal development.

But much of the good news about omega-3 fatty acids has been obscured by the risks involved in eating saltwater fish. Mercury—which has been linked to severe birth defects—is found in saltwater fish, leaving pregnant women confused on whether fish should be eaten at all. But according to researchers out of the University of Auburn, studies suggest that the abundance of omega-3 fatty acids found in saltwater fish may counter the adverse effects of mercury.

This debate will continue to swirl, but the fact remains that the positives vastly outweigh the negatives when it comes to eating saltwater fish (tuna and salmon are two of the more readily available omega-3 fatty acid sources for Americans).

Outside of the benefits that come from eating saltwater fish, the enjoyment and camaraderie that comes from saltwater fishing is something that only true anglers can testify of. By entering “saltwater fish” into any web search engine will bring up a host of web sites, giving specific reports on what fish are biting and where. From the chilly waters of the Atlantic off the coast of Cape Cod, to the more tepid waters off the coast of Puerto Rico, saltwater fishermen are able to stay on top of the action—or should we say “ocean”—on where to go for the best catch possible.

Brook Trout: Frequently gullible, yet extremely tasty, Brook
Trout are wonderful trout to fish for - especially since they
frequently inhabit the most beautiful stream settings in the U.S.

The Brook Trout was originally found in the Midwest and along the
East Coast. It is sort of the Eastern counterpart to the Western
Cutthroat trout – with its range extending all the way from
Canada down to the streams in Georgia. Interestingly, the Brook
Trout is not even part of the trout family, but instead belongs
to the Char family of fish that also includes the Lake Trout and
Dolly Varden.

Brook Trout live in clear, cold waters. Due to the cold waters
and the fact that Brook Trout live a shorter life generally than
rainbow and Brown Trout, Brook Trout usually do not grow nearly
as big.

Today, most of the best Brook Trout fishing is no longer found
out East.

The cold, clear water that Brook Trout prefer no longer exists
like it use to. Instead, Brook Trout are mainly found in the
Western United States (mainly due to transplanting) in the colder
rivers and lakes of the Rocky Mountains - especially in higher
lakes that often require hiking to reach. Canada also continues
of provide excellent fishing for Brook Trout, while Argentina is
now also home to some of the worlds’ largest Brook Trout.

Brook Trout are also small due to another factor – over planting.
Brook Trout have been so extensively planted in many lakes and
streams that there are starting to be too many of them. This
overcrowding often leads to stunted growth. Of course, the plus
side of this is that these small Brook Trout are extremely easy
to catch and they taste good, too! Of all the trout in the world,
for the angler who absolutely must take home some fish at the end
of the day, taking home some Brook Trout is a good way to satisfy
the palette without compromising the overall fishing quality.

The Brook Trout is a beautiful fish. It’s sides and back consist
of various shades of gunmetal gray, with highlights of orange,
red and cream spots. The fins of a Brook Trout also have a white
edge around them and during spawning season, the bottom of the
Brook Trout turns a beautiful orange-red color.

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Trout fishing is fun way to enjoy your free time and it can be very rewarding to your diet. There are many places that you can catch trout around the USA. Salt water trout are abundant and do not really require much different equipment than the normal rod and reel found at any sporting goods store. They are usually small, so light tackle is more than adequite. Fishing lines with a low pound test are best because they won’t be visable underwater. The best place to find them is in shallow rivers or the flats in small bays. A spinner is a great lure to use instead of live bait because it is easy and effective. However, night crawlers are a cheap live bait that last days in a styrofoam container that is kept out of direct sunlight.

Another way to catch trout is use a fly fishing rod. This is a very fun form of fishing because it is more active and with practice you can become a very accurate caster. You may have seen this done, and trust me it is easier than it looks. A light rod and reel are not expensive. You can also purchase fake fishing flies that are exclusive to this type of fishing. The flies are light, so light fishing line should be used to let the fly control the cast. Find a stream that is 10′ - 20′ across. Tie the fly to the end of the line using 3-4 simple pretzel knots. Pull some extra slack into your empy hand, leaving about 5′ of line coming out of the end of the rod. Slowly wave the rod back and forward with your hand about shoulder height.

When you have a good feel for where you want to cast, go back and gently cast forward flicking you wrist forward as well. Release the slack in the line as you flick your wrist. Flicking your wrist just about doubles the speed of your cast with minimal effort…much like a golf swing, casting should be effortless. You will be casting a lot and force may spook the fish. Try aiming for opposite edges of the river where the water is more calm than the actual flow. Fish love to wait in these areas because food will flow by them from the quicker current.

When you have caught some trout, it is time to clean them. This is very easy when you know the basics. First take a sharp medium size knife and place it perpendicular across the area between the skull and the dorsal area. Cut straight downward about halfway. Then flip it over and slit the belly open from the anus to where you cut it’s neck. Then hold the dorsal area and pull downward and back on the skull. This will rip the head off and pull the guts out of the bottom. Simply run your finger through the slit to clean any excess guts and throw the fish on ice.

A staple recipe for trout is to flour the outside of the fish, skin and all, and cook it in a fry pan with butter and oil for a couple minutes per side. The skin will slide off very easily. Then use a fork to carefully lift the meat off of the rib bone. The fish is very tender and will melt in your mouth. Feel around for bones because some will stick to the meet. This is a very healthy dish that is rich with low fat but has fish oil and protein that promote low cholesteral and promote muscle gain. Enjoy!

Find out more great information about trout and fishing at http://www.abouttrout.info!

The evolution of fishing gear and accessories along with the development of the bass fishing industry brought about the development of various lures specifically used for different fish species.

There are many types or class of lures and they all depend on what type of fish works for them. Many only work for specific types but some cover a wide range of species of fish.

Below are some of the typical lures used for fishing.

Light Standard Casting Lures

For Standard casting lures, they are mostly able to attract a wide range of fish varieties from albacore, bluefish, bonita, oho and crappies. These lures are also excellent for certain species of bass fish and work best when retrieved from water at low to medium speed. They pass through water with undetectably synthetic material.

Their sizes are excellent for lightweight fish and a host of freshwater species. They range from 1/16 oz. to 3 oz.

The hand painted eye is enticing enough to allow schooling of fish. This feature allows for more chances of trapping one of the target fish in the water.

Heavy Standard Casting Lures

Heavy Standard Casting Lures are excellent for quite heavy fish specifically, walleye and bass. While the lightweight lures are used in most circumstances, it was shown that heavy counterparts provide more reliable fishing output.

Moreover, the heavy standard lures are able to catch fish than diamond and light standard casting lures.

Long Casting/Jigging Lures

Perhaps the most popular among the fishing lures are the long, tapered jigging lures. They are perhaps the most commonly used fishing lures among the fishermen in Florida, Mississippi and Louisiana.

Just recently, it was found out that the long casting lures work best for catching trout and pike. They were also found to effectively catch stripers and bluefish. They can catch tuna and walleye in a breeze!

Unlike heavy standard lures, this gear won’t produce good fish-catch output up to 180-200 ft under water but be sure to effectively match your lure color, bait and related accessories to maximize performance.

Deadly Diamond Lures

These lures are one of the smallest with sizes ranging from 1/8 to 1oz. They can seamlessly attract attention among fish and could form a school of fish in a minute!

The reason is it lies on its structural surface formation and cut. The top handle is cut like a diamond and causes the reflection of light striking on its surface. The diamond lures are best for catching bass fish varieties, crappie and stripers although they work on a small range of fish species.

Travis Clemens is a life time fisherman and he knows the ins and outs of gettinem on the hook! You too can gettem on the hook with Travis as your guide! www.best-fishing-tips.com