World Charter Boat Association
For most people, going fishing means not having more than a fishing rod, some bait, and a hook. But those who like to fish on a regular basis will know that there are a lot of other pieces of gear available that can make the experience that much more successful. From a range of different kinds of lures, fishing rods, reels, and more, fishing can be a fulfilling and complete hobby.
The reel is the part of the fishing rod that the line is wound up in, and gives the fisherman the control they need in terms of both length of the line as well as the available tension.
Most might think that a reel is a standard piece of equipment that is part of any rod, but the reels vary greatly depending on the type of fishing that they are being used for.
Having a good quality fishing rod can make all the difference when trying to land a catch successfully. There are endless tales of cheaper fishing rods splintering or even outright snapping when the fisherman is fighting with a particular feisty fish, and it not only leaves them without their prize, but also without their fishing rod.
Saltwater fishing is a term that’s thrown around a lot, but it can actually be broken down into a range of smaller, specialised branches which are dependent on what exactly the fisherman is planning to catch on any given day. It can differ in terms of where the fishing will happen, such as at the end of the pier, or out on a boat over much deeper waters – but also by the kinds of fish that are being sought out.
For many fishermen out there, there’s nothing quite as efficient as using live bait, whether this comes in the form of worms or insects. Live bait works extremely well for most kinds of fish, simply because it will move around on its own and attract a potential catch without the fisherman having to do much.
Live bait, however, can be something of a pain to get a hold of as not every fisherman out there has a worm farm at their disposal, nor does every fisherman have a garden available to dig in as their whim.
Fishing at the local dam is a good way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon, but sometimes there’s nothing better than heading out into the open waters of the ocean to spend a day attempting to catch something truly special. The secret to having a great day on the water is having the right fishing boat.
A good, reliable fishing boat provides the perfect environment for just about every type of shore fishing in existence. The problem that many potential buyers run into at first is choosing the right one to suit their needs. There is a wide variety of fishing boats to choose from, and each is designed to accommodate the needs to the fisherman and what he’s after.
Continue reading “Helpful Tips For Choosing The Right Fishing Boat”
Fishing is among the world’s most popular pastimes, and it’s difficult to find someone that has never enjoyed the quiet solitude of spending a day out on the dam or lake.
For some, fishing is only done once every now and again, while others try to enjoy it as much as they possibly can, often leading to them taking it on as a long-term hobby. For those that want to try and start building a complete set of fishing gear, this is what’s needed.
Whether you’re a professional that makes a living from fishing or you’re just the weekend enthusiast, there are many good reasons to make your own lures. The lure is one of the most important parts of the job, and your selection in tackle shops can be extremely wide and varied. They can also cost a pretty penny because you need to buy new ones on a regular basis.
Fishing is traditionally done on a warm, sunny day when the fish are at their most active. But depending on where you’re situated, the winter can set in for a number of months at a time, and it may seem impossible to head out to the nearest lake and try and catch something.
Fishing in cold weather, however, is just as simple as any other type of fishing, and only requires that you take the time to prepare in advance.
Most fish that live in colder-climate regions tend to be at their lowest activity after a cold front hits, and choosing the timing of when to throw the cast in can make a big difference, and sometimes it’s best to just stay at home and enjoy online casino NZ games.
As a general rule, most fish will begin to feed just before the front passes, meaning that they’ll be their most active at certain spots around the body of water. And while it may be difficult to determine exactly where they’ll be – as it depends very much on the temperature and volatility of the water – once the group has been found, there should be plenty to catch.
In a river, dam, or lake, fish tend to move around to the spots that suit them the best, and this is no different when colder weather strikes.
Many will migrate to an area that has an abundance of food available even when it’s cold, and it’s best to do the research to find out exactly where these spots are, otherwise it can become impossible to find any biters.
Lures work best in spring and summer, but they’re not nearly as efficient during winter periods. When the temperature of the water starts to plummet, the prey that fish usually eat will generally begin to slow down, and this can become a problem for fishermen that tend to use fast-moving lures.
For this reason, it’s best to rather opt for live bait that will become accustomed to the temperature of the water and adjust accordingly, and increasing the chance of catching something, even if the water is frigid.
Being out on the water means that you will not have access to any buildings or tree cover, and means that you will bear the full brunt of any cold winter winds. On top of this, water on the line can eventually begin to freeze, so it’s best to make sure that the line is always conditioned.
Wearing warm, insulated clothing that covers all of your skin can help avoid any serious cold-related conditions, and keeping your fingers warm means the difference between losing a rod or catching a good haul.
Never fish alone during the colder seasons, even if you consider yourself a pro. Always have the right safety equipment available, as falling in the water can become extremely serious.
Wool and synthetic fibres are the best materials for keeping the cold at bay, and a life jacket can and will be a lifesaver.
Fishing equipment isn’t cheap and we all know what it’s like to have to kiss goodbye a favourite rod and reel because it’s come to the end of its lifespan. But looking after your gear can extend the lifespan somewhat, giving you more time to reel in a catch on your lucky rod.
If you want to maintain your equipment and ensure your gear lasts for as long as possible, follow these handy guidelines:
Don’t leave your fishing gear in your boot or in your garage. If you store it in a dry, well-ventilated space it will last longer, it won’t rust and a drop in temperature or any other factors won’t affect it.
Always clean your gear. Even if you are not fishing in salt water, make sure that you rinse your gear off before you finish for the day. This way any trace elements that can cause corrosion are removed and your gear stays clean too.
Store your gear like you would your clothes. Between seasons it is best to store your fishing gear inside, in a warm spot. Just like your clothing, your gear needs to breathe and to have air circulate around it in order to prevent damp, mould and rust.
Make sure everything is always dry. Even if you are only packing away your gear between fishing weekends, make sure your bait and boxes and rods and reels are 100% dry. Excess moisture can cause havoc with your gear and can lead to it disintegrating quickly.
It can also lead to funny smells and damage scented baits, lures and flies that you’d have to spend your Australian pokies online winnings on if you need to replace them.
After every fishing session, rinse off your reels. This will remove any sand, seaweed, pondweed or any residue that may have built up whilst you’ve been fishing.
Just ensure you don’t use a high-pressure hose or water stream, as this can do more damage than good and push water into places you don’t want it to be.
Wipe down your equipment after you’ve washed it to ensure there is no dirt left behind and to keep everything in tip top shape.
If you are worried about water having gotten in where it shouldn’t, you can also use a blow drier on a medium heat to get every last drop out.
Ensure that you’ve taken the tension off your reels. If you leave your drag on tight setting it pus unnecessary strain on the reel components and causes undue wear and tear.
Make sure that you have backed off the tension at least 3 or 4 turns so there is no added stress in play.
Oil up anything that may rust. If you lubricate your reels they shouldn’t rust at all, and they’ll work smoothly the first time you go fishing next season.
Just beware that you don’t over oil, as you don’t want oil on your line that may end up in the sea or the lake.