Posts Tagged ‘fishing’

How to Use Water Temperature to Fish for Trout

It is important to observe the external factors when fly fishing. Weather, water clarity and temperature are some of the important factors. Reading water temperature is important for fishing success especially when there are no active hatches. This article will give you a primer on how to use this information.

Thermometers come in the old style analog and newer digital versions. I prefer the digital as it is easy to read with polarized glasses and the numbers are larger. There is generally also an indicator beep when the thermometer has read the temperature instead of guessing with an old style.

Once you have recorded the temperature you can determine your fishing strategy. You will know what time of day is best to fish (probably more use the next outing), what type of fly to use and how to fish it. Trout react and adjust their metabolism to the temperature of the water they are in. The extremes on either end and they will be slow moving. As the temperature settles toward 60 degrees the fish are the most active. There are 5 Ranges that I will refer to by number.

#1 = 50 degrees or lower

2. 50-55 degrees

3. 55-65 degrees

Zone 4 – 65-70 degrees

5. Greater than 70 degrees

Water temperature will change over the course of a day. Starting cooler and warming as the sun is on it and then cooling off again towards evening. Keep this in mind when choosing when to fish. Colder water is best fished with the sun on it and warmer water is best fished early or late in the day. The middle zone of 55-65 can be fished throughout the day.

The colder the water the more trout will shut down and slow their metabolism. Fish in the first two zones are almost dormant and couldn’t hit a fast moving bait. They are like a car on a cold day. They need to warm up first. To fish them it is best to use nymphs with as little action as possible. Zone 3 is the normal range for trout feeding. You can fish dries, wets, nymphs and streamers at normal speed. Increases in temperature will force the trout to seek water with a higher oxygen content. They will be looking for springs, tributaries or moving water. They will also prefer the shade to the sun – much like us. These fish are best sought with smaller flies and long leaders. If terrestrials are present this is a good time to use them.

This is all part of thinking like a fish. Trout need to seek their comfort zone for optimal survival. Use this guide and you will increase your catch.

The Fishing Geek features a Pocket Guide to Fly Fishingthat features a single page dedicated to water temperature. It includes all the information in the article.

What are the Bugs on a Trout Stream

Beginning fly fishermen have a hard time identifying the food that trout eat. There are many things that effect fishing such as weather, water flow, clarity and season. These are called the external conditions. In this article we will discuss how to identify the bugs on a stream.

The bugs on a trout stream can be found by turning over rocks, looking in bushes. Skim the surface with a small aquarium net to catch anything floating by. Finding the bugs is the first step in determining what the fish are eating and making a good choice in what fly to tie on.

But what are they? Mayflies, Caddis flies and Stoneflies are the main sources of food on a trout stream. They begin life on the bottom as larvae, puppa and nymphs. They will emerge as the “hatch”, float for a time and fly away. By finding the bugs you will know what the food source is as well as the stage, size and color. Then you can match it to your fly box and tie on the best choice.

Look for terrestrials like grasshoppers and ants as well as other bugs. Mayflies are identified by the 4 legs and 3 tail sections they have with the adults having a curled up tail. Stoneflies come with 6 legs and 2 tails the adults will have 4 wings. Stoneflies are usually pretty large. Caddis will have 6 legs and a wing case as a nymph and grow into an adult with 2 wings and 2 antennae.

Compare the bugs you found to the flies in your box. It is not important to know what they are called as long as you can compare the size, shape and color to the specimen. When there is a large hatch trout can afford to be picky. In this case you have to get it right. Otherwise fish are looking for a general imitation. As long as the outline, size and color are close you are off to a good start.

When selecting your fly remember that trout are looking up at it and you are looking down. Turn the fly over before picking it. Smaller is usually better if the exact size cannot be matched. Trout will usually go for a smaller imitation and shy from a larger offering.

Following this procedure will result in a better success rate than just randomly selecting a fly.

As you move along the stream it is important to check regularly for different offerings.

Tight lines

Check out our pocket size guide for on the water references that will help you catch fish with full color pictures of flies and diagrams of bugs

Coleman Scanoe: The Ultimate Canoe for Versatility

Looking for a canoe can be a bit overwhelming because of the variety of sizes and styles available. To make the choosing a bit easier it is important to first determine what the boat will be used for. For example, will you be using your boat for fishing or just paddling around?

The Coleman Scanoe can be the perfect choice for any canoe owner because it allows for much more versatility and functionality than many other canoe type boats. It can be used on lakes, ponds, rivers, and even on the ocean.

This boat is large enough to easily accommodate several people and a bit of gear at one time. It measures 14 feet long, over 3 feet wide and has a safe carrying capacity of 800 lbs. A squared off stern is different than most canoes and is very convenient when attaching a small motor. The square stern is also a nice feature because it does not hinder the boat’s ability to glide effortlessly through the water when going forward.

Because this boat is built much like a standard canoe, it can be maneuvered and paddled along just as easily. Although a motor is not included with the purchase, the mount for a motor is an added convenience for those who want to do some trolling or want a relaxing boat ride without having to paddle.

Being made of polyethylene and having three seats built in, this boat offers stability and durability on the water. The polyethylene construction is a definite benefit for this boat because it is lightweight, durable and can be easily repaired if needed.

To find the best price for the Coleman Scanoe, I suggest searching outdoor stores, local classified ads, and online.

Marty Wattiers is a canoeing and outdoors enthusiast. Visit his site for more information about the Coleman Scanoe and links for the best deals on other products like the Coleman Canoe.

Choosing A Fishing GPS

Do you want to catch a lot of fish? Of course you do! If you are like me, you want to have all of the latest and greatest equipment. I get very competitive with my friends and family. Maximum fish count is important in my book, so investing in the top tech is a priority.

Finding fish was difficult back in the day. You would have to test a bunch of areas or ask the locals where the best fishing spots are located. Not anymore, you can find the fish in realtime, with your own portable fishing GPS system. Locating fish is extremely easy these days.

Using many satellites high above us, hanging in orbit, the fishing GPS system will record your favorite fishing locations. You can save them in realtime, so you can return to the exact spot in the future. Also on some of the models, you can punch in some coordinates of a location you want to explore. If you go online, some other anglers can share their favorite spots.

Each year the GPS units on the market keep getting better and better. Often you can get more features for a lower price. The current models are extremely accurate. This is due to their multi channel engineering. This improves their accuracy to the point that you can pinpoint your hot spots to a high degree.

Besides helping you find fish, your fishing GPS will keep you from getting lost. Several times in the past, when I have been fishing, getting lost is way to easy. It has made me dependent on the device, as I require it to get back when I am fishing in open water.

My first fishing GPS unit ran me about two hundred dollars. That was several years ago, and now you can get a top of the line unit for about three hundred dollars. If you want to save some money, you can get a good model, without a lot of features for one hundred and fifty dollars or less. Most if not all of the current models are water proof.

Back when the first fishing GPS units came out, they did not have a large screen. The current models have massive screens. Which is great, as you do not have to strain your eyes when looking at them. Look for a model that can be mounted in your boat, so you do not have to hold it in your hand.

Accuracy is key when using a fishing GPS system. What is the point of using one if it can not get you back to the exact spot? Make sure the model you are looking at is accurate and has great reviews. You will want to spend your time catching fish instead of looking for the perfect location.

Before you purchase a fishing GPS unit, make sure you check Sam Jones’ excellent free report on Fishing GPS Units.

100 years of Coleman Lanterns

W.C. Coleman the founder of the Coleman company first produced his lanterns over 100 years ago. Finding a better light source for rural America which at the time was still not connected to electrical service was His goal. Kerosene was the primary fuel for lanterns at the time and this was a smoky and dim light source that needed improvement. The new fuel source just coming on the market was gasoline which provided a cleaner burning and brighter light source.

As electrical service was still not common in rural areas of America the main light source was the lantern or lamp fueled by kerosene. The new lantern from Coleman was a much better light source and cleaner for indoor use as well. From its beginning the Coleman company was dedicated to bringing an improved light source to the market and has continued that dedication through to current times.

Beginning with the white gasoline lanterns that most of us remember using on our own camping trips the Coleman lantern has evolved from a liquid fuel only lantern to take the next step. Battery powered lanterns are now the cleaner brighter light source that gasoline powered lanterns were in the last century. No longer do you need to use or carry dangerous flammable fuels to have a clear bright light at your campsite or even for emergency use at home.

A short time after battery power was introduced rechargeable lanterns were released. The ability to simply plug in and recharge a lantern greatly increased the ease of use. No longer were you required to purchase and replace batteries all you need do is simply plug the lantern into a wall socket and it will recharge. The interchangeable power packs of the CPX system will now allow you to power many different model lanterns using the same power supply and can convert many regular battery lanterns to rechargeable lanterns.

From the original fluorescent type lights to the newest LED lights you now have many options when you choose Coleman battery lanterns. The ability to adjust the brightness of the light from soft to very bright give much greater control of your lantern. Provided many hours of light from one charge these lanterns can even rival some of your regular lighting at home. No longer do you need to worry about the fire risks involved with carrying and using liquid fuels for your lanterns battery powered lanterns really are the best choice for you next lantern purchase.

With the experience of over 100 years producing lanterns Coleman is a name you can trust for your outdoor lighting needs today and tomorrow. Whatever outdoor lighting you might need there is a Coleman product that will meet that need efficiently and economically. While the Coleman lantern has evolved and improved the Coleman name has kept its value to the consumer for more than 100 years and will continue to bring quality products for years to come.

Martin Wilkins is actively interested in the outdoors and camping. He has used many models of Coleman Lanterns over the years. He particularly likes the new models of Coleman Battery Lanterns.. This article, 100 years of Coleman Lanterns has free reprint rights.

Deep Sea Fishing – The Exciting Things About It

It is a lot easier these days to go deep sea fishing than any time in the past. Deep sea fishing tours are offered by various charter companies, which can be found wherever there are fish, and they can introduce you to this wonderful sport. You can purchase your own boat and your own equipment if you’d rather do deep sea fishing by yourself.

Deep sea fishing isn’t for everyone, however for a lot of people it’s a wonderful sport and for some it’s a livelihood. Deep sea fishing isn’t necessarily for those who enjoy fishing in streams and rivers that are nearby. A stomach for rough water is needed for starters, which when fishing in docks is something that’s not needed. You cannot control whether you’re sick at sea or not, and some people are prone to being sick at sea. Also, you’ll need to be able to cope with the sun as it can be as bad as the water. If you have never gone deep sea fishing before then it’d be a good idea to go on a charter boat to see how you like it. Among other qualities, you’ll need to be very patient when deep sea fishing, which is what most fisherman are characterized as.

Letting go of any expectations you have of deep sea fishing is recommended if you’re planning to go. It’s best to just enjoy the experience you have, no matter how little or much you catch. Even if you go out to a good location with a charter company that’s great you may not catch much or anything at all as fish can be very fickle indeed. Being on a boat in a beautiful location and learning new skills can be plenty of fun, but only if you’re not too attached to getting certain results. You may not catch anything on the day, or you may catch a fish that weighs loads, just be prepared for either result.

The albacore tuna is one fish that can be seen in many areas around the world. When you pay for it or order it in a restaurant, you will occasionally see it labeled as White Meat Tuna. Beings as they have long fins, they are sometimes are aptly named long fin tuna. One of the greatest places to fish for this species is Southern California and down into Mexico and if you find the right place to go trolling, you can reel in tons of them. Because albacore primarily feed off of smaller sized fish, you can use a feather jig or even bait, like sardines or anchovies.

Deep sea fishing can be an excellent way to make a living (or hobby) or it can be a wonderful way to spend a vacation. You can take pleasure in this activity in a number of locations around the world and every location will have its own benefits and types of fish that you can go for. If you are new to deep sea fishing, start out by hiring a charter boat and getting some experience.

Certain kinds of hobby fishing are generally both exciting and perilous. Check out our site for additional information about hobby fishing.

Why Knives Make Such A Perfect Tool

You might have had your dad’s pocket knife handed on to you personally. It could be one of many knives After all, they’ve been around since 1939 and going strong. You can easily remember how many times he tried it on the farm when you were just a kid. Now, you take it in your pocket and every night whenever you empty them, you visualize him.

Almost everybody has got a pocket knife. The sort which has the blades that accommodate inside of the handle. It comes in handy sometimes for anyone who is hiking and wish it to slice your lunch apple or maybe you are outside in the backyard and you also want it to remove twine for around your tomatoes.

The very last thing you ought to need it for is self defense, but better to have it than never have it! There is a pocket knife for nearly everything imaginable. You will discover pocket knives with replaceable razor blades inside it having a steel handle. Folding scout knives with a rubber grip plus a combo blade.

Camping knives, fishing knives, knives that flip and have a great number of uses, you may wonder how you got through the day with out them. Recall the 3 blade pocket knives along with the stag handle? Many get these knives as birthday or Christmas gifts and several people give them as gifts.

There exists a mini paraframe folding knife in steel that could serve you for a lifetime. Should a man has something in his pocket, there along with his wallet, it is usually among the many camillus knives. Some knives have locking blades to ensure that when they are fully opened they don’t fold up again. Since the 15th century Spain, these kinds of knives were chosen.

The Swiss Army knife looks like though it has every tool imaginable, like corkscrew, scissors, several blade of knife for other uses as well as bottle openers. The Clip that’s usually made of metal or plastic flick and is much like clicking a pen made opening them easier.

The switchblade carries a spring release that may be opened with one hand. Many knives could be opened with only a flick from the wrist. Since a knife can be employed as a weapon, individuals should be careful in the way they use it. When somebody owns a pocket knife they need to observe the laws for the state where they live or visit.

Some cities in several counties in the nation prohibit utilizing a pocket knives that stays locked when opened. Considering any pocket knife, including knives cut quite easily, somebody must be responsible in how they handle themselves the moment they use their knife. In the end, a great man knows how to carry use a pocket knife within the same civilized way his dad did in the past, back on the farm.

Check out the Blade Ops page to see all the available choices. You can make the best decision with the information found online!

Learn about the Rewards and Gains in Regards to the Coleman canopy

I suppose you could say that the modern day canopy is a prehistoric design. If you go back as far as you can in history and look into the shape and design of the cavemen you will probably find a form of shelter similar to the modern day canopy. It may of been constructed of grass , leaves, fronds or leather, but still pretty much like the current day design.

A canopy is a lot like a tent, except most canopies are just the roofs with four or more corner legs holding it up. You can buy sides for your canopy and then you can use it much like a tent, but usually not as sealed. Shapes and sizes vary but you can find the one you need for your purposes.

Some people use canopies on their homes for protection against rain and sun in their back yards. These usually fold or roll out from the walls. There are many uses for canopies ranging from the hot dog vendor on the corner to seashore vendors at your local beach. Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts have many uses for canopies when they are out camping in the woods and when they are having special competitive events in parks and else where. The simple canopy can be used for many other purposes also like graduations, outdoor weddings and picnics.

The original gas lantern came from a time in history when people found that gas burned a lot brighter and cleaner than did kerosine. W. C. Coleman was the man that started a company to mass produce the gas lantern after he saw the new lantern burning in a store one time while he was selling products as a salesman. Later, Mr. Coleman’s Company went on to produce sleeping bags, coolers and all types of out door equipment.

The current day canopies are no longer made of left over animal skins or grass, but high tech fabrics that fight the elements extremely well, and last many years. Coleman, just like the other manufacturers make several different sizes and colors of these canopies and most them can be set up in as little as three minutes.

If you want to get your canopy out of the bag and up in a hurry, you need 3 helpers to make it fast. One person can easily do it, but it takes a little longer. Pull the canopy out of the bag and set the feet end on the ground. Each person grabs a corner and pulls out on it. As they do the canopy gets larger and larger as the sides extend. Now just pull up on the sides so that you can set the buttons in place on the corner legs and viola! You have a finished product.

Coleman has gone one step further with their smaller 10 x 10 canopies and is making canopies under a special license from the NFL (National Football League) that carry your individual teams colors and logos on the fabric of the canopy. Now, you can have your tail gate party out in the parking lot or where wherever you want and show off your team spirit.

When you want a wonderful Canopy and want to find out further information about Coleman Canopy, then visit the location where you can investigate further information about theColeman NFL Canopies of your favorite team.

Hobby Fishing Long Island

Whenever you are preparing to go on a fishing trip in Long Island and you don’t have your personal boat or fishing expertise to boot, you are going to want to think about going on one of numerous Long Island Party Boats. Long Island party boats are famed for their half-day and full-day fishing trips. Long Island is an island of course and you will find tons of various choices to select from when it comes to picking Long Island Party Boat Information.

Fishing for different species of fish depends on the season and the party boat which you select to go on. There are different packages to select from and beginning destinations all across Long Island’s many ports. You can discover about what’s in season and how many fish you can keep by visiting http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7894.html

Fish that are frequently sought after are fluke, sea bass, blue fish, striped bass, blackfish and porgies. If you are adventurous you will find chartered party boats which you can rent which will go after the larger species of aquatic wildlife including swordfish, tuna and sharks.

Fishing from a Long Island party boat can be a excellent time. Individuals of all ages, and all levels of expertise can partake within the exciting activity that is fishing. If you are a beginner fisherman, do not worry. Most Long Island party boats come equipped having a fishing rod and all of the bait which you can fish with included within the price with the trip. If you wish to bring your own rod and bait you can most definitely do so, but you’ll need not. The captains and crew of these party boats are nicely versed within the baiting and fishing techniques of these waters for the specific season and fish becoming fished.

Food, snacks and beverages are often not included within the price of a party boat, but you will find often drinks, and snacks sold onboard. It’s good advice to bring your personal sandwiches, snacks to munch on and beverages, water, soft drinks and beer (if you are more than 21 years of age!). Also, most prices on Long Island party boats do not include gratuity and tips. So whenever you are completed together with your trip its often customary to tip your crew for running about the boat untangling your lines and helping you out together with your fishing experience.

Fishing from Long Island party boats has become a past time for numerous New Yorkers because it is a great way to get a way from the hustle and bustle of every day life and relax in the great outdoors. Fishing is a great hobby and paying admission for a party boat is really a sure-fire way to get a quick start on the game and start catching some fish!

Joel Rogers has been taking his family on Long Island Party Boats for over 10 years. He is a fishing hobbyist and lover of the outdoors.

Items Every Hunter Needs To Carry

As a hunter, it is important that you carry all the necessary items with you every time you go hunting. Something that a lot of hunters don’t realize is that they should not only carry their stuff in their bags, some items should be carried around with them in their pockets. The reason I and many other hunters recommend this is because sometimes people will misplace their bag and if that happens you will want some of the necessities to keep you alive and keep your hunting trip going smoothly.

Now, in order to be a good and safe hunter you will need to have certain things with you at all times and I want to explain what those things are. The items that I am going to show you are things that every hunter needs to have and if you don’t have them yet, then you need to hurry and get them before your next outing.

Things Every Hunter Should Carry

Knife – If you are not carrying around a knife, then you need to get one right now. The reason you need a knife is because you can literally survive with just a knife and the skills to use it. When you are hunting a lot of things will require the use of a knife and if you don’t have one, then it will be almost impossible to do some of the basic hunting tasks.

Flashlight – One of the things that a lot of hunters don’t do is carry a flashlight in their pocket at all times. What I recommend is that you get a pocket flashlight so that if you ever lose your bag or your other flashlights don’t work, then you will have that one. Being that a flashlight runs out of batteries very quickly, I highly recommend that you have an extra one with you at all times. One other reason why you need a pocket flashlight is because they are still somewhat bright and they are lightweight as well.

Matches – If you don’t carry around matches, then you need to do so and in my opinion you need waterproof matches as well. When you are out hunting for a few days or so, you will need a fire to do many things and matches will make this possible. Trust me, without matches you will have a tough time hunting.

Before you head out on a hunting trip I recommend that you check to make sure that you have everything you need, not only that but triple check if you have to. I highly recommend triple checking to make sure you have everything because you don’t want to leave home with something very important. Trust me, having the necessary items for a proper hunting trip is very beneficial to both your hunting experience and your possible survival.

If you are thinking about going on a hike then make sure you have a good pocket flashlight with you. Not only that but I would suggest taking a mattress bag as well.