Fishing Art

Fly Fishing Equipment - Choosing Fly Rods

2011-09-09T03:56:00.000-07:00

Fly Fishing Equipment - Choosing Fly Rods

Basic fly fishing equipment consists of three items, fishing rod, reel and fly line. The most important piece of your fly fishing equipment to select is the fly rod. There are many different fish species to target and many different types of water to fish, each having their own set of criteria to meet. This can range in species such as trout, bass, tarpon, salmon large sea fish and even marlin.

Fishing conditions range from small streams, ponds and dams, lakes, large rivers, back-country trout to the open sea. Many serious fly fishermen or women will have up to six or more rods in their collection. However as complicated as it may seem you can narrow down your choice of rod to one or two depending on what type of fishing you intend doing.

Fly fishing can be a precise sport that usually requires the fly to be presented to a fish with accurate casting, for this reason the fly rod requires qualities that can preform the way the fisher intends. The rod needs to not only present a fly in a way that imitates its prey but also handle the impending battle, especially large fish in heavy flowing waters.

Choosing Your Fly Rod.

Long gone are the days of bamboo rods and to a certain extent fiber-glass rods. Technology advances now gives us access to an abundance of choices with the main type of rod construction being graphite. These rods offer power, accuracy and the strength to land big fish in all fishing situations.

Determine Your Fish Type.

Most people know what fish species they need their fly fishing equipment for, most popular are bass and trout, a large mouth bass behaves differently in its pursuit of its prey than does a rainbow trout. They also fight differently and are found in different environments.

Determine Your Waterways.

As a general rule the type of water you fish will dictate the type of rod you choose. Fly fishing equipment comes in different "weights" from 1 through to 12. Where low weight numbers such as a 4 are for light delicate casts that you would use in a small stream or pond, and heavy weights such as a 9 or 10 would be used in large fast moving rivers. The lighter weights require more skill as you are aiming for precise, gentle, shorter casts, usually to fish that are visible and feeding, and using very light lines, tippets and flies. The heavy weight rods are also used to target visible feeding fish but also fishing blind in lakes and rivers. The larger weight fly fishing gear gives long casts and allows the use of large fishing flies.

Another consideration in choosing fly fishing rods is the action of the rod or flex, full flex rods are sensitive and gives a better feel for the fish, but are short on casting distance, a stiffer rod will allow longer distance casts but will sacrifice the sensitivity. In situations of heavy wind, fast flowing rivers and sea fishing a fast action stiff fly rod is your best bet.

Although these two extremes of 4 weight and 9 weight require two complete sets of fly fishing equipment, there is a middle ground that can cover most fly fishing situations. Using a weight 7 rod, reel and line will enable you to fish smaller streams, lakes and medium size rivers, this is a very versatile weight and in a medium action ideal for beginners and experienced fishermen alike. small four to six piece rods in a 6-7 weight is an ideal setup for the traveling fisherman.

Fly Fishing Equipment - Choosing Fly Rods

Carp Fishing Tackle - A Glossary of Terms

2011-09-09T03:40:00.000-07:00

Carp Fishing Tackle - A Glossary of Terms

Carp fishing tackle can be highly specialized. Here's a brief glossary of some important terms related to carp fishing tackle and carp fishing gear.

Terms Related to the Carp Species

Barbels: The 2 organs on the upper jaw of a carp that look like whiskers. Barbels help the carp find food in murky water.

Cloopers: Carp that are feeding on the surface.

Mudders: Carp that are feeding on the bottom. Evident by the cloud of mud they kick up.

Coarse fish: All species that are not members of the trout or salmon families.

Terms Related to Carp Tackle and Rigs

Leader: A length of heavy-duty line that's about 30 to 40 feet long. A leader is attached to the main line because it is more resistant to abrasion. A hook length is then attached to the end of the leader for attaching the carp bait.

Shock leader: A length of extra heavy line that can withstand the force of a long cast.

Feeder: A secondary piece of carp tackle, this is a cage that is attached to the leader instead of a sinker. Bait is pressed into the feeder to attract the carp to the baited hook.

Float: A bobber that's more sensitive than the familiar white and red globes. Floats are long and slender and function as bite detector signals as well as devices for presenting the bait to the carp.

Semi-fixed: A piece of carp fishing tackle that allows the leader to detach from the line in case of snags. A bolt rig is a variation of the semi-fixed rig that automatically hooks the carp when the leader tightens.

Fixed: Refers to tackle or leaders that do not slide along the line and do not come free when the main line breaks.

Stringer: Several baits without hooks that are attached close to the hooked bait as "freebies."

Terms Related to Carp Bait

Tiger nut: A small tuber that is an excellent carp bait. Tiger nuts must be boiled until thick and sticky before use.

Chum: Bait that is thrown into the water to attract fish to the vicinity of the hook bait.

Boilie: A bait that is a piece of round, hard dough. Boilies are made from a variety of grains mixed with water to form a thick dough, formed into sphere shapes and boiled.

Carp Fishing Tackle - A Glossary of Terms

Fishing Tackle Boxes For Anglers - A Place For Everything

2011-09-09T03:35:00.000-07:00

Fishing Tackle Boxes For Anglers - A Place For Everything

Fishing tackle boxes are an often overlooked but critically important item. Fishing tackle bags however, are gaining wide popularity with UK anglers because of their versatility. Here's some information about tackle bags and their many innovative features.

Reasons to Consider a Tackle Bag

The method you use to stow your fishing gear, whether it's a tackle box or a tackle bag, must have a high degree of functionality. A tackle bag has the advantage of looking like a piece of luggage, which makes it easy to travel with. Because it's soft-sided, a bag is often capable of holding more fishing tackle than a hard-sided box of the same size. These bags come in a variety of colors and styles, from the ever-popular outdoors man's camouflage to an elegant leather-trimmed piece of gear. Fishing tackle bags are generally made from durable, hard-wearing materials like rip stop 900 denier nylon. Nylon fabric is also easy to clean, mildew resistant, rot resistant, abrasion resistant and quick drying. The nylon used in tackle bags is often polyurethane coated for additional durability and water resistance.

Other Desirable Features of Tackle Bags

Since these tackle bags are used outdoors in varying weather conditions, look for a bag with a bottom that's reinforced with an extra layer of material. If possible try to find a bag that's advertised as completely waterproof, perhaps with a PVC coating on the bottom of the outside. A good bag will also have a reinforced bottom and sides. The bag should have sturdy and versatile carrying straps. A detachable padded shoulder strap is also a desirable feature. A good bag will have plenty of external zippered pockets on the front and sides. Some bags have front pockets with zippers around 3 sides. When completely unzipped, these pockets reveal organizational features like pen pockets and clips for car keys and other small items. Inside, tackle bags are very versatile. Many come with a system of dividers that can be added or removed according to the fisherman's need. Even the top flap of some bags will have a zippered, see-though pockets. The bag should also have some sort of a strap system that enables secure carrying of rods.

There's nothing more frustrating than being unable to find a critical piece of fishing equipment at a critical moment. Fishing tackle boxes and especially tackle bags, are essential pieces of gear to keep UK anglers organized.

Fishing Tackle Boxes For Anglers - A Place For Everything

Fishing Equipment - Getting the Right Gear

2011-09-09T03:22:00.000-07:00

Fishing Equipment - Getting the Right Gear

Some UK anglers believe that good fishing equipment leads to good technique that leads to positive results in your landing net. Others believe that an experienced fisherman, regardless of the type of fishing gear he has, is more likely to have a successful outing. Here's some basic information about fishing tackle, specifically rods and reels that should help you decide what's best for your specific needs.

Fishing Rods

Every fishing rod must have a certain degree of flexibility, which depends to some degree on the material from which it is made. Popular materials for a fishing rod are bamboo, fiberglass and graphite. Bamboo is inexpensive, strong and has a tensile strength superior to mild steel. Bamboo's strength-to-weight ratio surpasses graphite's. Fiberglass is durable and inexpensive as well. Bamboo and fiberglass rods are popular with beginners. Many expert anglers favour graphite rods because they are strong, lightweight, durable and ultra-sensitive to the feel of a fish ready to strike. The length of your fishing pole depends on the fishing locale and the type of fish you're seeking. The diameter of the rod influences its flexibility. The larger the diameter, the less flexible the rod will be. For big fish, choose a short rod with a substantial diameter. Rod handles are commonly made from cork or foam. The choice is a matter of personal preference.

Fishing Reels

There are four major types of fishing reels: fly cast, bait cast, spin cast and spinning. Spinning reels are the most popular and are easy to use. Spin casting reels are hybrids of spinning reels and bait casting reels and have a cover that helps keep the line from tangling. The line pays out through a hole in the cover. Both spinning and spin casting reels mount under the rod's handle. Bait casting reels mount above the rod's handle and retrieve the line onto a revolving spool. These rods work well for bigger fish, salt water fishing and offshore fishing. Fly fishing tackle reels depend on the weight of the line, not the weight of a lure and sinker, to get a lightweight lure out over the water. These reels are designed to accommodate thicker, heavier fishing line and have few mechanical parts.

Even the simplest fishing equipment, such as a basic rod and reel, stands many UK anglers in good stead when it comes to landing those trophy fish.

Fishing Equipment - Getting the Right Gear

Fishing Equipment and Techniques - Top Tips For Anglers

2011-09-09T03:10:00.000-07:00

Fishing Equipment and Techniques - Top Tips For Anglers

There's a mountain of information available on fishing equipment in the UK. Some anglers spend as much time reading about fishing gear as they do using it. Here are a few brief tips that may help you improve your fishing tackle and methods that won't take forever either to read or implement.

Tip #1: Don't buy all your angling equipment at once. As your skills progress, so do your preferences for fishing tackle equipment. Your preferences change as well -- don't get stuck with a pile of specialised fly fishing equipment or salmon fishing equipment when you discover that you'd really rather pursue a different technique or fish species.

Tip #2: Get organized. Be sure your tackle box is big enough to hold all your gear. Store unused fishing rods, fishing reels and other items in the same place, so you know exactly what you have. It's also a good idea to have plenty of spares on hand -- rigs, hooks, weights, leader and line.

Tip #3: Acquire new skills. One angling authority recently wrote that "angling is a game of options...the more options you have, the more likely you are to have a solution." In other words, the more skills you have, the better prepared you'll be.

Tip #4: Learn to fish rough ground. Although there's a higher risk of snags, there's a higher reward of landing quality fish like cod and bass. Cleaner and less rough fishing venues generally hold fewer fish because there are fewer protected areas for them to lurk or hide.

Tip #5: Go with proven rigs and equipment for fishing. Use what the pros and other successful anglers use. Then customise your fishing tackle equipment to suit your particular needs. You can even build your own rods and make your own leads.

Tip #6: Manage your bait. Always use the freshest bait possible. If local fishing shops don't carry good bait, you may have to dig it up yourself. One of the best tactics is to store both fresh and frozen bait at home, so it's ready at a moment's notice. On site, be sure to use a cooler to keep your bait fresh and hence more appealing to the fish.

Finally, always seek to refine both your skills and your fishing equipment. Regardless of the type of fish you're seeking, the broader and deeper your UK angling skills are, the more likely you are to succeed.

Fishing Equipment and Techniques - Top Tips For Anglers

The Fish House We Stayed In Is

2011-08-06T22:36:00.000-07:00

The fish house we stayed in is

As They're Driving Home

2011-08-05T23:23:00.000-07:00

As they're driving home

His Ice-fishing House When

2011-08-05T02:53:00.000-07:00

his ice-fishing house when

Ice Fishing Dream House

2011-08-04T06:09:00.000-07:00

Ice Fishing Dream House

Ice Fishing Dream House

2011-08-03T11:45:00.000-07:00

Ice Fishing Dream House

Ice Fishing Dream House

2011-08-02T22:23:00.000-07:00

Ice Fishing Dream House

Original Fly Fishing Clip Art

2011-08-02T13:04:00.000-07:00

Original fly fishing clip art

Free Fly Fishing Clip Art

2011-08-02T01:25:00.000-07:00

Free Fly Fishing Clip Art

Big Jig-Heads For Bass

2011-07-31T14:29:00.000-07:00

Just spent a some time tying up a few bass bugs. Not a specific fly recipe consulted on any of these flies (as you might be able to tell) just tied up with as much material and as ugly as I could muster. Rabbit strips, squirrel tail, deer hair, and a touch of flash on all these jigs. Hopefully I can brave the temps soon to test them out. Maybe there will be a winner in there somewhere.

FLY FISHING CLIP ART

2011-07-30T22:59:00.000-07:00

FLY FISHING CLIP ART

Chasing Blue Lines In 95deg

2011-07-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

I decided the other day to brave the sweltering 95 degree heat and go chase a few new blue lines up in the mountains of SC. I really shouldn't have gone but the draw of fishing was just to much to handle and I left early to explore this new water.

The first fish was a nice little rainbow caught deep on a Tenkara rod with a typical Tenkara fly. It was down deep in a big 80 deg bend on this small stream way back in the mountains. At this point it was a pleasant 90 degrees and I figured that this little guy was the only trout I was to catch that day. After all, It was only going to get warmer and with the way the temps have been lately, I suspected that the trout were going to shut down as the temps rose.

My suspicions about the trout were soon confirmed when I caught this shiner. I have hooked a few of these guys while fishing my favorite trout streams, and while I don't know their true names I figure they are the reason why the trout go after my Black Nose Dace streamers with so much enthusiasm. This guy was the biggest one of its kind I have hooked.

Next on the list, I hooked into a pool of sunfish with the brightest yellows and reddest eyes I have seen. There is always something about mountain streams and their effect on the colors of the fish that inhabit them.

I hooked a lot of these guys on a big black stone or (as seen from picture on the left) a haggard Black Nose. Bluegills and sunfish are such a fun fish to catch and doing it on a stream where both brown and rainbow trout are known to live is not really a letdown when you see how brilliant their colors are.

As noon approached and the temps reached into the mid 90's I started to make my way back to the car. I figured that the fish were done and the snaked would soon control the waters edge and I do not like battling with snakes for a stream side spot. As I waded the stream back I saw a few rises in front of me. suspecting a sunfish was the culprit I tossed a fly in his direction and got a hit. Imagine my surprise when in the next jump from the hooked fish, I noticed that a nice Brown trout had made an appearance. In sun drenched 95 deg temps and in less than a foot of rushing water, a brown trout was actively feeding on the surface. Amazing! No pic because as I reached for the fish, he leaped into the air, gave a wave of the fin and broke free. I hooked two more in the next five minutes, both of which where released in relativity the same manner. I guess it goes to show that you never know what to expect while chasing those blue lines.
A few minutes later a large snake crossed the stream a few feet from me and gave me the eye. I took his suggestion and headed for the car. I cant wait to see what the stream gives me when the temps begin to cool down.

Also For those of you that are wanting a Tenkara Shirt, I have decided to offer the shirt in all THREE colors. They are only $17 plus Shipping (5.40) and can be purchased with Paypal or any major credit card HERE. The shirts will be printed on the tenth and shipped out as soon as possible.

Fisherman Landing A Very

2011-07-29T15:52:00.000-07:00

fisherman landing a very

Fly Candy

2011-07-28T16:20:00.000-07:00

Fly Candy

3 Colors Now Available

2011-07-28T08:07:00.000-07:00

UPDATE!! THE PAYPAL BUTTON NOW AVAILABLE

With such a split in the colors selection, I have decided to provide a choice when you purchase one of these shirts. Like I said, I will only be doing a small printing run for these shirts so if you want one, make SURE you pre-order yours by the 10th of next month.
First we have the Pebble color tee.

Next is the Fatigue Green color tee.

And finally is the original Steal Grey color tee.

These shirts are quality Hanes 100% cotton tees that are preshrunk. As I said before, they are quality screen printed tees by a local American owned printing business.

(The above pics are representative of what the shirt should look like on the color tee. These are not the actual printed shirts. The actual print might vary slightly in size and color.)

Although He Ties Pike Flies

2011-07-27T21:33:00.000-07:00

Although He ties pike flies

Eumer Tube Pike Flies

2011-07-27T01:19:00.000-07:00

Eumer Tube pike flies

Ornamental Fish Experience Gourami Fish Time

2011-07-26T23:40:00.000-07:00

Have you a short while ago acquire Gourami aquarium fish for your tank. Have you figured out it is possible to Gourami ornamental fish time.In order that fish now have longer life duration, you will have to take good care of your fish.

Gourami aquarium fish are usually tropical freshwater fishes, who will be found in aquariums from a number of collectors. Compared with popular thinking, Gourami is usually a family of fish, which are often also known as network family. They've got a lung including labyrinth body part, utilized meant for gulping discuss and even diffusing atmospheric o2, where that they get at their very own title. Fish in this loved ones contain long pointed construction at the pelvic fins. Oahu is the brilliant hues plus liveliness of your fish, which will appeals to enthusiasts to this very bass. Gourami generally welcomed in distinct aquariums attaching multi-chromatic style on the aquariums, tend to be pearl Gourami, kissing Gourami, honey or possibly golden Gourami, moonlight Gourami, dwarf Gourami, for example. They are simply known to now have solid everyone, due to which most that they donrrrt 'pet' at the same time on the company of the range of alternative fishes while in the aquarium. To add to Gourami ornamental fish lifetime, it is crucial that caution be utilized of your robust persona fish.

Winning Olive

2011-07-26T08:57:00.000-07:00

I recently, or should I say my kids, were recent winners of a set of Olive The Woolly Bigger books by Kirk Werner. I'm not sure who were more excited when they arrived but thanks to the new website - takekidsflyfishing.com we both have new reading material.
Thanks to Kirk for the great books and nice messages he wrote in each. They will be treasured in my family for years to come.
If you have a minute, head over and visit takekidsflyfishing.com . It will be well worth your time.

Also, news on the tenkara shirts. I have gotten a good response to them and look forward to having them printed. I should have a button up for payment in the next few days. Thanks for the support.

Aquarium Fish Gold Gourami Proliferation For the purpose of Beginner

2011-07-26T01:03:00.000-07:00

You can easily kind this particular ornamental fish having good success. Any males can be distinguished in the females from their own much larger, more and more directed dorsal together with anal fins. Now that all set pertaining to spawning typically the females can have fatter bellies versus the alot more slender made males.

Obtaining an individual male to a few and / or four females will improve you actually possibility of achievement. Make sure there is always good enough covering up area for your females. Any of them may just be chased by the male then they really want an establishment to cover up for aquarium fish.

More affordable water amount that will around sixty-six per cent in the regular point not to mention improve the temps for you to among 79 - 84 F and / or Twenty-six - Twenty nine C. Produce acceptable facilities as well as floating plants and flowers.

The male will generate a home on the top of the waters out from crops. Breeding will require location within the home plus the exact spawning may very well be replicated a couple of times.

Once aquarium fish breeding is conducted take away each of the females in the fish tank as they simply are only scratched at this stage. The man will safeguard plus usually tend to a eggs until eventually individuals hatch immediately after sooner or later. A fry will end up free fishing after another few days.

This Gold Gourami will be just one colour a number of your specie while using the scientific name of Trichogaster trichopterus. Various other details in this array comprise of Golden Gourami, 2 Spot Gourami plus Three Spot Gourami. Alternative sorts of this specific ornamental fish include Blue Gourami, Crosby Gourami and even Opaline Gourami.

Baltic Pike Flies Issue 3

2011-07-25T14:09:00.000-07:00

Baltic pike flies Issue 3