A Hawaii Fishing Vacation

By Richard Young

I really didn't need a cup of coffee. Yet I find myself here, at Starbucks, across the University of Seattle, with coffee in hand wondering if there's anything fun that can come out of today.

It seems ironic that we left the "high-eighties" in Hawaii thinking we were headed to the cooler, maybe even rainy, Pacific northwest! Instead we are greeted by temperatures that made what we left seem cool! With some time to kill while the students I accompanied here attend their workshops, it would seem a great opportunity to break away and enjoy the city. Seattle is a wonderful place and the quick drive into town from the airport last night reinforced my appreciation for the impressive architecture, the exciting waterfront, the greenery, and overall charm which I've admired on this and each of my two prior visits.

Today, I am in a different mood. It may be that the heat is intense enough to make any sightseeing pursuit more a feat of endurance than a pleasant pastime. Or perhaps I realize that anything that seems exciting...like the run out to Tillicum Village, or exploring the shores of Puget Sound or Lake Washington would only make we wish I had my fishing gear to really enjoy being here. But then, even if I did have my gear, I know neither where to go nor what to do to in these waters that are completely foreign to me!

So, I sit here in Starbucks, where the air-conditioned comfort seems more pleasant than anything else I can think of doing today. My thoughts drift back to my part of the world, Hawaii. I can't help but wonder how many visitors to the islands are feeling this same, "it's nice to be here but I'd really be just as happy fishing back at home!" I also wonder how many, like me, go through the tourist "must-dos" and bypass fishing altogether because Hawaii beaches, while great for tanning and swimming, seem just a bit too "foreign" to them!

For the fishing Mecca that Hawaii is, relatively few will do some serious fishing outside of the pricey options that grace the tourist publications that are literally everywhere you turn. Certainly, we'd all love to charter a sport fishing boat, but how many of us have the budget to do something like that more than once or twice? Most will agree that a day of fishing does not a vacation make. But a week or more spent doing our favorite activity in a new and promising environment could very well be the closest thing to heaven imaginable.

So how do you begin to prepare for a Hawaii fishing vacation? Read on, it might be simpler, more enjoyable, and less expensive than you think!

Get A Home Base

Looking at a condo or vacation rental home rather than a hotel room is a great start to setting yourself up for a serious island fishing. Aside from offering kitchen facilities and more space, condos or vacation rental homes come at a relatively lower cost than equivalent hotel rooms. And while the price of a rental might initially seem out of range, the actual number of people that can be accommodated in these units and the ability to prepare your own meals will result in an overall decrease in your daily expenses.

What's more, condos and vacation rentals will allow you the full impact of your fishing vacation for you'll find, in Hawaii, the fishing experience goes far beyond the catch. If you've ever enjoyed the many and varied ways that fish is prepared in the islands, you'll know that enjoying your catch at the table is as much a part of fishing as is the fight! The opportunity to experiment with different local recipes will enhance your vacation experience and the ability to wow your friends back home with some exotic (many quite simple, too!) dishes you've learned to prepare will probably be the most treasured souvenir of your entire vacation!

Try Some Local Fishing Techniques...

We could spend hours and not scratch the surface of fishing in Hawaii. But one or two days of purposeful (and genuinely interesting) investigation can get you ready for some serious fishing fun in Hawaii that is not only productive and exciting but quite inexpensive as well.

Pick up a book about Hawaii fishing and add to that a visit to the local fish markets and fishing supply stores to learn about the edible fish and which to expect in different types of waters.

Spearfishing

If you've developed some proficiency snorkeling or diving, visit any of a number of "mom & pop" fishing supply stores on the islands and ask them to show you a "Hawaiian sling," a simple inexpensive spear with a rubber tube that's probably the most popular piece of hardware for catching fish in Hawaii!

Many of us local enthusiasts started out with these simple spears and continue using them today!

Pole-fishing

If you prefer fishing from the shore, you'll find Hawaii's coastlines offer a range of different conditions for a variety of fishing techniques ranging from a simple hand-pole to the most sophisticated fly- and surf-casting! The small size of the islands make it possible to spend a day or two looking for possible fishing spots on one day, talking to fishing supply people and those you come across on the beaches... then going it on your own the next day! Before you realize it you've already enjoyed yourself touring the island... meeting island folks with whom you share a common love... and you haven't blown a load of money trying to entertain yourself!

If you're looking to cut the learning curve, there are a couple of shorefishing guides that can take you out for a day and provide you with a sufficient background in that time to enable you to go it on your own the rest of your vacation while feeling quite confident about what you're doing.

Kayak Fishing

Fast becoming a sport unto itself, kayak fishing has become a venue for those with limited budgets and/or the desire to pursue an exhilarating form of fishing. Hawaii kayak fishermen are regularly boating such sport fish as amberjacks, tuna, dolphin-fish, wahoo, and more as well as smaller reef game fish that are equally enjoyable cooked up!

Of course it'll take a bit more planning to set-up your equipment and plans for some serious kayak fishing but if it sounds appealing to you now, you might not want to do anything else during your entire stay. Everyone who's done it will attest that landing a decent-sized fish on a kayak is an experience to which one can easily become addicted!

A Permanent Trophy

In the very possible event you land a fish worthy of permanent display, look into some of the local gyotaku artists. Here is a process where an imprint of your fish is made by applying a non-toxic paint to your fish then using the "painted" fish to imprint its image onto a piece of cloth. It's an old Japanese method serving the same function as taxidermy which allows for the fish to be eaten. Yes, you can forever display your fish and eat it, too!

Just as it is fishing back at home, nothing can guarantee you'll catch what you're fishing for. But I'm confident that the time you spend planning for a Hawaii fishing vacation will be as enjoyable as any itinerary you've ever prepared and the subsequent trip might just be the paradise you were really looking for!

Yes... a Hawaii fishing vacation. Give it some thought because the possibilities are endless. I could go on forever but, perhaps, I can share more later. Right now, I think I'll head down to the waterfront and find out what folks are catching on Puget Sound!

****************

The author, Richard Young, is the creator of Hawaiibeachcombers.com, a website about Hawaii beaches which includes Hawaii shore fishing, kayak fishing, snorkeling and diving, and freshwater fishing along with other ocean-related activities.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Young

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Top 10 Fishing Spots In The World

1. Sutherland, Scotland

To borrow a line from the author and keen angler Jonathan Raban, hanging a "gone fishing" sign on the door is like announcing to the world that you have retreated to your own private Tahiti. Sutherland is my Tahiti: remote, wild, achingly beautiful - somewhere I can get lost in the hill lochs for a few days. I take a tent and will eat the trout I (hope to) catch and then repair to the hotel on Loch Inchard for a proper meal, a bath and bed.

Where to stay: Rhiconich Hotel (01971 521 224). Rates from £39.50 per person per night, including breakfast. Permits available for the Rhiconich Estate's 11,500 acres.

2. Lough Corrib, Connemara, Ireland

There is a special school holiday in the village of Oughterard, on the west coast of Ireland, that they call Mayfly week. May is the best month to fish for the red-fleshed Corrib trout, and the village takes on a festival atmosphere at this time as fishermen descend on the town to go "dapping". This local custom involves hooking a live mayfly on your line and suspending it on the water's surface to lure the hungry trout. Before the holiday became official, classrooms would empty every year as enterprising children bunked off to catch hatching flies and sell them in boxes to fishermen. Rather than police the truancy, the local schoolboard decided to go with the flow and give the kids an official holiday. Very Irish.

Where to stay: Corrib Wave Guesthouse (+353 91 552 147), on Lake Corrib, two miles from Oughterard. Rates from £24 per person per night, including breakfast.

3. South Stradbroke Island, Queensland, Australia

I have not had my most productive ever day fishing here, hunting for flathead from the surf, but how often do you get to see humpback whales breaching on the horizon and wallabies poking their heads over the dunes as you stroll along the beach lazily casting your line into the ocean?

Where to stay: Couran Cove (+617 5509 3000) Resort, on the island, 40 minutes by ferry from the Gold Coast. Rates from £134 per person per night for room only.

4. Tusket River, Nova Scotia, Canada

"Then away to the heart of the deep unknown, where the trout and the wild moose are. Where the fire burns bright, and the tents gleam white, under the northern star" (Albert Bigelow Paine, The Tent Dwellers, 1908). I had long dreamed of staying in a log cabin in the backwoods of North America, Jack London-style, idling my days away flicking out a fly in search of brook trout. The Tusket River lies in the Tobeatic wilderness: deep, deep forest and home to black bear as well as moose. Take a guide - you do not want to get lost here. Accommodation is modelled on the great hunting lodges of the turn of the century - huge spruce logs and chiselled granite.

Where to stay: Trout Point Lodge (+1 902 482-8360). Rates for a double room only start at £54. The lodge will fix you up with a local guide, for around £100 a day.

5. River Lochy, Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown is the self-proclaimed adrenalin sports capital of the world, and while some people may raise an eyebrow at the mention of fly-fishing in the same sentence as steely-nerved bungee jumping, this is undoubtedly the high-octane end of the sport. There are only two ways into the Lochy River - by helicopter or by boat across Lake Wakitipu. Sheltering beneath trees and behind rocks in the gin clear waters that run through the folds of the Eyre Mountains, the wild brown and rainbow trout grow to thumping great sizes, although they are notoriously skittish. Local guide essential

Where to stay: The Dairy, Queenstown (+64 03 442 5164). Double rooms, with breakfast, from £123 a night.

6. River Lanio, Swedish Lapland

Another hypnotic slice of wilderness. Salmon, sea trout and grayling glide through fast-flowing glacial waters.

Where to stay: Visit Sweden has accommodation suggestions.

7. River Moyola, Northern Ireland

The river rises in the rolling Sperrin mountains and meanders through moorland and meadows, but you are only 40 minutes from Belfast here. At Castledawson, it runs behind a council estate flying the union flag, but put the Troubles behind you and push on upstream beyond the bridge: you will soon be enveloped by high hedgerows and small-holding Ireland again. Good for wee brown trout and local dollaghan. Stock up on potato cakes from Ditty's Home Bakery in the town to tide you over till dinner.

Where to stay: Laurel Villa Guest House, Magherafelt, Co Derry, 028 7963 2238. Rates from £25 per person per night, including breakfast.

8. River Wye, Monsal Head, Derbyshire

The Peak District is close to my heart - I grew up nearby - and, for my money, Monsal Head offers the most scenic fishing spot in England. The river threads its way through a deep and narrow gorge and there is no finer place to be on an early summer morning than casting a fly from the bank to a rising wild brownie, the red spots on its flank flashing in the sunlight. In the evening, when you emerge from the darkening valley via the vertiginous winding lane, enjoy the view over a pint at the Monsal Head Hotel.

Where to stay: The Peacock at Rowsley (01629 733 518). Double room from £145, including breakfast. Monsal Dale Fisheries (01629 640 159): £25 for a day ticket

9. River Teifi, Wales

Long gone are the days when the rivers of Wales were bible black with pollution. Now even the Taffy around the Millennium Stadium boasts a good head of fish. But the real prize is sea trout, sewin, and the Teifi around Lampeter and Llandysul positively boils with them. Only trouble is you have to catch them in the dead of night, which makes casting tricky, but it all adds to the alchemy.

Where to stay: Falcondale Mansion Hotel, Falcondale Drive, Lampeter, Ceredigion (01570 422 910). Doubles from £130, with breakfast. Will Mains (01559 363 700) can advise on the best fishing beats in the area. Fishing day tickets: £17 through DR Jones and Son Llandysul (01559 363700).

10. The one that got away: Rio Grande, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina

It's good to dream ... this is the holy grail for fly-fishermen. The end of the rainbow at the bottom of the world, it costs a king's ransom to organise, but ticks all the right boxes for walloping fish, scenery and adventure. Maybe one day.

Where to stay: Roxton Robinson Bailey (01488 689 700) can arrange tailor-made inclusive itineraries, with flights, from £4,950.

Article written by Andy Pietrasik for guardian.co.uk



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Sonar Devices

Historically, ice anglers depended on clip-on lead weights to determine depth. By drilling hole after hole, anglers could drop these weights to bottom, repeatedly measure depths and eventually locate drop-offs and other underwater structures. Those with a sensitive touch could even differentiate hard bottom from soft bottom. But this was a time-consuming, often difficult task.

Today, modern sonar makes the same process relatively easy. These sensitive electronic devices feature transmitter/receivers called transducers that transmit sound waves to the bottom, receive these echos back after they bounce off bottom and return, then display these signals on a dial or screen. Once ice anglers learn to understand these displays they can easily determine depth, and by simply moving through an area and noting the depth at various points, piece together the precise location of drop-offs, underwater points, humps, holes, weeds, timber, rocks, plankton, baitfish, gamefish and differentiate bottom hardness.

The sonar available to the modern ice angler is nothing short of amazing. In fact, many anglers don't even drill holes through the ice unless they first spot gamefish with their sonar. How is that possible? By simply pouring water on solid, clear ice and placing the transducer in the water, the unit can transmit and receive sound waves through the ice, allowing you to see the depth, weeds and even fish.

Sonar Types

Sonar comes in a variety of types, but traditional flashers, liquid crystal flashers, liquid crystal graphs (LCG's) and some hand-held specialty models are the primary tools of modern ice anglers.

Traditional flashers, such as the Vexilar(r) FL-8SLT and Zercom(r) ColorPoint, show the sonar signal on a calibrated dial, which reveals depth, bottom content, cover, fish, even your lure or bait. Uniquely, flashers provide a simultaneous reaction display. In other words, if you move your lure, you see its motion displayed on the screen at the same time, providing a distinct advantage for ice anglers who want to see when fish are moving in and how they're reacting to precise presentations. Traditional flashers do, however, require a great deal of battery "juice" to power a motor and bulb, making it necessary to recharge batteries after a few days of hard use.

Liquid crystal flashers. Like traditional flashers, liquid crystal flashers display the sonar signal on a calibrated dial display and, due to some spectacular engineering feats, provide simultaneous reaction display. Some models, like the Zercom LCF-40 Ice, are custom-designed for ice fishing and feature special grade freeze-resistant display fluids. Liquid crystal flashers use much less battery juice than traditional flashers, extending battery life.

Liquid crystal graphs. LCG's display the sonar signal on a televisionlike screen made up of varying numbers of squares, called pixels, which reveal depth, bottom content, cover, fish and your lure or bait. The larger the number of pixels, the more defined the resulting picture. While close, response time is not simultaneous as it is with traditional flashers-a disadvantage when immediate response times are desired. Liquid crystal graphs also feature liquid filled screens, making them subject to freeze up if a cold-weather grade liquid is not used.

Specialty sonar: Gun-or hand-held units, such as the StrikeMaster Polar Vision, are a convenient way of determining depth and the presence of fish, but aren't as useful for providing information regarding bottom hardness and presence of cover.

Important Sonar Features

Once you've chosen the sonar style that best meets your ice-fishing needs, you'll want to consider several important features when selecting a specific unit, including portability, depth capability, transducer style and angle, power, frequency, target separation and display resolution.

Portability is crucial, because you'll need to easily carry the unit from hole to hole to locate and catch active fish. Most sonar devices marketed for the ice fisherman include either a durable plastic case or zippered carrying case.

Depth capability is the unit's ability to display signals from shallow or deep water. Most units feature several ranges, such as 0-30, 0-60, 0-120 and 0-240, and a number of modern LCG units even allow you to program the specific depth range being covered, allowing you to "zoom" in on a specific range or feature you want to view in greater detail.

Flasher colour is a flasher readout dial presented in color. The Vexilar FL-8SLT, for example, shows the strongest signals in bright red, light signals in green, and modest signals in orange, making it a very user-friendly flasher.

A transducer is the sonar device's transmitter and receiver. The primary consideration here is the unit's cone angle, which determines how large of a cone-shaped area the sonar sound waves cover. A narrow cone angle concentrates the signal strength into a small area, making it best for detecting fish holding in deep water or tight to bottom. A wide cone angle spreads the signal throughout a larger area, making it weaker, but good for covering more water, detecting suspended fish or locating fish in shallow water. Some units may feature a dual or three-way transducer, which allows you to interchange between two or more cone angles.

A self-aligning transducer is a big advantage to ice anglers, simply because the transducer is suspended in the water, causing it to automatically level itself and provide optimum readings.

Sonar power is measured in watts and determines the strength behind the sound waves being distributed to the bottom.

The more power a unit has, the more potential it has for obtaining detailed readings, including small targets in deep water. Most units run 400 to 1000 watts of power.

Frequency is measured in kilohertz (kHz) and simply determines the pattern of the sound waves being distributed and received by the transducer. Most units feature 200 kHz. The advantage of using a different frequency is simply that interference from other units is decreased or eliminated.

Target separation is the distance a transducer receiver and display screen or dial can separate targets appearing within the sonar cone. The smaller the target separation, the more clear your readings will be.

Display resolution is the ability of a calibrated dial to display the details of a signal being provided by the transducer. A liquid crystal graph with a powerful transducer and low pixel count, for example, may pick up detailed signals but not be able to fully display them.

How to Use Sonar

Often, the biggest difference between the catch of an ice-fishing expert and everyday angler is the expert's knowledgeable use of sonar. By learning how to properly read what the unit is revealing and taking advantage of that knowledge, experts vastly improve their understanding of the under-ice environment and how fish are reacting to it, then make the adjustments necessary to increase their winter catches.

To set up a flasher-type sonar for ice fishing, be sure the power button is in the "off" position, then connect your power and transducer cords to the unit, and hook up the battery. Next, set your transducer level in the hole, turn on the unit, and lower your lure about 5 feet down. Increase the gain until you clearly see the bottom and just make out your jig. Fish will now show up as they move through the sonar signal. Note that as you lower your jig deeper, you may need to turn up the gain with some units to ensure good readings.

As you spend time viewing your flasher screen, look for the following signals:

Depth appears as a solid band. On the Vexilar FL-8SLT shown below, the depth is 14 feet. Rock, gravel or sand bottoms are indicated by a second mark (double echo) at exactly twice the real depth; soft bottoms, by a wide, dim band, with no second mark.

A lure appears as a distinct, solid mark suspended at the depth you've lowered it. The gain on a Vexilar should be adjusted so the lure shows as a green or green/orange mark.

Baitfish and Plankton appear as thin marks unconnected to bottom. The Vexilar shows baitfish as thin, green marks. Because baitfish are often moving quickly, their flasher signal quivers and moves accordingly.

Weeds and other cover appear as irregular, thin, stationary marks projecting off bottom. On the Vexilar, weeds show up as thin, green marks.

Fish appear as distinct, strong, solid marks either suspended or holding just off bottom. The Vexilar indicates a fish located directly below the hole as a bright red mark.

Battery Basics

Most ice anglers have declared gel-cell batteries the winter sonar battery of choice. They're relatively lightweight, won't leak acid and can be drained and recharged numerous times without needing replacing. For best results, bring your battery inside after each use, and once the battery reaches room temperature, charge overnight to maintain the battery at peak charge. Batteries should also be charged periodically during long-term storage


Article source: gandermountain.com



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Glow in the Dark Fishing Lure Reviews

Although our largest group of high volume purchasers are tackle manufacturers, our experts at Glow Inc. are not avid fisherman. In fact, most of them would run at the sight of a worm.

But our bait-loving customers report great success with glow in the dark fishing lures. To our surprise, they even claim that the fish prefer the glow lures during the day.

Fish tale?...Possibly.

Quick Glow in the Dark Fishing Tackle

Although we supply pigment to many lure manufacturers, you do not need to buy off-the-shelf glow in the dark tackle. We suggest you simply take a store purchased spoon or lure and dip it in Ultra Green Glow in the Dark Paint. You will need at least a 1/2 pint can for this to work. Then hang it to dry for 20 minutes. When dry, coat it with Krylon Crystal Clear Spray paint. Now go fishing and enjoy yourself.

Professional Glow in the Dark Spoons

Manufacturers use airbrushes and masking to paint spoons. Proper airbrush techniques can give you the ability to apply a smooth consistent surface with impressive fading effects. For tips on using an airbrush, consult our painting techniques section. Also remember to use a sealer.

Professional Glow in the Dark Lures

If you mold your own lures, you can add up to 10% of glow in the dark pigment (powder) directly to the medium before filling the mold. This makes a lure that glows from the inside and does not usually need a sealer.

Night Fishing with Glow in the Dark Paint

When I received my bottles of Ultra Green Glow paint, I was really excited to try it on my fishing gear. I wanted to see how much this stuff would make night fishing easier.

I am impressed. This stuff really works and now I'm going to tell you how to make your night fishing more productive.
The premixed glow paint can be brushed or sprayed. An airbrush is the best way to get an even coat of paint onto your tackle. But since most fishermen will not have access to an air brush, this article will cover brush painting. If you are lucky enough to have an airbrush, read the airbrush page on the Glow Inc. website.
The thicker you apply the paint, the brighter and more effective it will be. That being said, a light thin coat still does quite well.

Some of Glow Inc.’s products are waterproof and do not need an additional coat. Others like the Ultra Green I used for my testing require a clear sealer to protect them from moisture. I found that Krylon Crystal Clear spray paint as recommended by Glow Inc. is the best solution. It is readily available at any Wal-Mart or Home Depot for approximately $3. For fishing applications, I like to add 3 coats of this sealer.

One of the biggest problems with night fishing is seeing your rod tips. Even good lighting and brightly colored rods are a bit tough to see. The glow paint helps out here a lot. But, I just could not bring myself to paint the end of $200 fishing rods. A great solution is to use a coffee stirrer or drinking straw, depending on the diameter of your tip. You cut the straw to a length of about 2 inches and then cut a slit up one side. Paint the straw with a thick coat of glow paint and sealer. Then slip it onto your rod. In fact, I personally paint the straw after I have it on the rod because it looses some flexibility after a thick coat of paint.

This works very well to let you watch your tips. But you still have to directly watch them. I am lazy, which is what they say about all inventors. So, I developed a way to have the rod notify me when fish are biting. I went to the local craft store and bought tiny cowbells. Some have mentioned they like using the ones they sell for fishing, but I don’t prefer them. Paint your bells with your glow paint and sealer. Then attach them to the rod tip using a paper clip letting the bell hang loosely.

Many people fish with floats at night. Paint the top of your floats with a bit of Ultra Green and the sealer to make them visible.

When fishing at night or in deep stained water, you can use glow beads or glow lures to bring attention to your bait. Glow beads can be made from a 1/4” standard craft store beads painted with the glow paint. One or more of these beads can be threaded onto your line just above your hook. When painting the beads, we suggest that you string them on a line to keep the holes open.

I know they sell molded “glow beads”, but these are about 1/10 as bright as beads painted with the Ultra Green glow paint. A single glow bead in front of any lure or bait can really increase the number of fish caught at night.

Some have mentioned painting the glow weights. My experience is that the bead method allows you to get the “glow” closer to the hook. The glow paint is also much more durable on a bead than on a weight. Since the Ultra Green Glow paint puts out the same color as natural glowing deep water animals, it does not spook the fish in the least.

The final piece of advice I can offer is on charging your new glow items. You will want a bright light source or a UV light source onsite to keep your glow tackle not only glowing, but glowing brightly. An inexpensive way to accomplish this is with used disposable flash cameras, which can be acquired free from most photo developers. A better option is to buy a portable black light that runs on AA batteries. These are available from Spencer Gifts for approximately $15.

About the Author:
Rodney Long is a designer of innovative fishing products for several major brands. He owns the patents for dozens of products that are used in the fishing industry. His biggest successes include the “Boomerang Fishing Pro”, “The Long Shot Wiggle Rig”, “StandOUT Hooks”, “Mojo's Rock Hopper”, and “Rig Saver weights”. More information on his products can be found on his website at ezknot.com.

Review of Michigan Stinger's New Glow in the Dark Lures

As a photoluminescent chemist, I didn't realize the level of bio engineering that goes into designing fishing tackle. To say the least, I was surprised when I received a phone call from the engineer at Michigan Stinger requesting technical data. That call took place over two years ago. Since then, the Stinger engineers have performed over a hundred laboratory and real-life tests to design an efficient high end lure. As I write this review, their 2004 line of glow lures are being distributed to tackle shops around the world.

Fish think about food like a hungry teenager. If they see something that looks appetizing, they throw it in their mouth as fast as they can. Therefore, the biggest requirement of a great lure is that it can be seen from a distance. But the hard part is to design a lure that looks more appetizing than the local feeder fish. Any mom that has to prepare healthy meals to compete with junk food will fully understand the complexity.

There are about 10 companies currently manufacturing glow in the dark lures. The majority simply took existing lures and added a layer of the Ultra Green Glow Paint. While this definitely increases performance, there was a lot of room for improvement. Therefore, I will detail some of the technical aspects of the new Stinger line which sets them apart.

It is a fact that fish prefer their victims to have scales. For the last 20-30 years, it was thought that shiny, smooth lures had better performance. At the time, this was true. Shiny lures improved visibility at a distance when they reflected light from the surface. But photoluminescent pigment removes that benefit. Careful observation of fish shows that a smooth, shiny surface actually sometimes discouraged fish as they approached the lure. To address this, Stinger's engineers stamped tiny random hexagons into the metal of the lure. Although the lure now had scales, it was still a bit too shiny, so they added a texture to the paint to eliminate reflections.

The second major fact is that fish like to eat raw fish. In Japan, they call this sushi. The best sushi is colorful and as such is more attractive. Once again, fish go crazy over something bright from a distance. But as they approach, they want something that looks edible. While a 3-mile island glowing green fish looks like caviar when you are starving, it is not so appealing as a mid-day snack.

For many years, manufactures painted lures with a variety of contrasting colors in fish inspired shapes. No one has a doubt that this highly increases performance. But when it came to glow paint, that knowledge went out the window.

When they started mimicking the colors and designs of the regular lures with different colors of glow paint, they found it made a massive improvement. Tests showed that fish would lock their radar at a distance and kept approaching right through the attack.

As you can see, they made major technological improvements to something as basic and simple as a lure. They now had a lure that was visible at a distance and attractive as food at close range. But they decided to address another performance concern that they witnessed late in the process.

Photoluminescent paint is highly visible in moderate to low-light conditions. In moderate to bright conditions, this long range visibility does not exist without some help. They addressed this issue with fluorescent pigments, which convert UV light from the sun into a highly visible, almost neon light. This is bright enough to increase long-range visibility, yet it is not focused enough to discourage the predator.

Although it is an expensive proposition for any manufacturer, Stinger actually adds regular pigment, fluorescent pigment, and photoluminescent pigment to every color of their new line of glow lures.

To the regular human, these enhancements will not visibly be the most impressive. In fact, lures made by other manufacturers are much prettier. But to a fish, it is the difference between a greasy Chicken McNugget and a slow cooked basted turkey.

I commend Michigan Stinger for doing the research to produce a truly advanced product. If your favorite pass-time is sitting on a boat, relaxing, and drinking beer, than these high-end lures are not for you. On the other hand, if you like reelin' 'em in, then give technology a try.

You may consider glow lures the latest fad, but Michigan Stinger's long list of national fishing trophies backs their ability to do one thing ...... Catch Fish!

Michigan Stinger's Glow Lures are distributed by Advanced Tackle. You can visit their website at mistinger.com. If you don't know the difference between a mouse and a keyboard, you may be better off calling (800) 299-4353.
Written by Daniel Clark

Article source: notjustfishing.com



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How To Catch Catfish

Learning how to fish for catfish isn't hard, but it takes a little know how and luck. The first obstacle to tackle (no pun intended) is trying to figure out what type of catfish you want to fish for.

The most popular catfish to catch are channel, blue and flathead. Determining what type you want to catch will also help you determine you're fishing location.

Here in Missouri, you can catch just about any type of catfish you want. The most popular is the channel. Channels are the most popular because they're the most abundant.

They're the most abundant because they're found in most lakes, rivers, private ponds and even small creeks. Blue and flathead's are predominantly found in large rivers.

After figuring out what type of catfish you want to catch, you need to get the right equipment and the best catfish bait you can get your hands on. Personally, I never fish for cats with anything less than a heavy action pole, and heavy test line. They're aggressive fish, and will fight until completely exhausted.

You want to make sure you have the right equipment because you don't want a monster to break your line, or even worst, break your pole or reel. Another great catfishing tip is to either use a pole holder or hold your pole. You definitely want to anchor your poles down. I've literally had poles snatched from the bank by hungry monster cats, and it only took a split second.

Some people would also suggest that you can't learn how to fish for catfish without a cooler full of beer. The saying used to be, "if you don't catch fish, at least you'll catch a buzz." You must always remember to be safe and alert when fishing.

If you catch a monster catfish, you really should try eating it if you never have. They're great tasting fish, and the most common dressing method is skinning the catfish and either filleting or cutting the catfish into steaks. The catfish is a mild tasting fish, and can be fried, baked, smoked, poached or even pickled.

So now that you have the basics on how to fish for catfish, you just need to decide what type of catfish you're going to fish for. Personally, I love fishing for cats because it's one of the best ways to pass time. It's also a great way to spend time with the family, and you can pass on a tradition to your kids.

But be careful, catfishing can be like a drug -- addictive. In the beginning, you'll find yourself fishing whenever you can and thinking about catfishing -- every waking second. You might also find your checking account is a little smaller because you're spending money on poles, reels, and the latest stink bait to hit the market?

If you haven't tried your hand at catfishing, go ahead and try it. Like I said, "learning how to fish for catfish," isn't rocket science, but it does take some know how and a little luck.

Learn more about how to catch catfish http://uknowhowto.com

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Best Way To Clean A Trout

So you've caught dinner! Way to go! If you catch a trout under two feet in length, this is the best way to clean it that I've found. While the fish is still pretty fresh, take your knife (I use a sharp serrated pocket knife), and make a 45 degree cut from above the fish's head to behind the gills to the underside of the fish, but don't cut all the way through the backbone just yet. Next flip your fish over and repeat, but this time, proceed to break through the backbone of the fish while trying not to "cut" through the remaining guts. You just want to break the backbone.

Now while paying careful attention to what you're doing, pull off the head of the fish and most of the guts should come along with the head. Toss the fish head and guts on the lakeshore or river shore or else you may cause a disease in the fish that remain in the water because if they eat the guts from your fish, they could get sick (this is especially true in limited fish population areas). So now, take your knife and cut straight along the underside, starting at the anus of the fish and going towards the head of the fish (or at least where the head "used" to be). Clean out the rest of the guts.

At the top of the inside of the fish, you will see a white skin and underneath that is a ton of blood. I usually scrape that area with my knife and use my thumbnail and scrape backwards to get that skin off and start cleaning out all the blood. You have to do a really great job with the cleaning out all the blood, and at this point, get an old toothbrush and work deeply into the backbone area until there are no traces of blood at all. This is best done under running water with a fresh fish because as the fish dies, the blood thickens and makes it even harder to clean. Get all the blood cleaned out or else you'll have a nasty fish taste when you cook it up.

Finally, just wash (with your hand) the skin of the fish, getting it pretty clean, and get all of the extra innards out so you should be left with a perfectly clean fish, ready to freeze or cook up for dinner!

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Deep Sea Fishing

What Is Deep Sea Fishing?
Deep sea fishing is a form of angling that requires deep waters and usually takes place further away from land. The water depth should be at least 30 meters to be considered deep sea fishing territory. This fishing method is also often called offshore boat fishing, sport fishing, and big game fishing.

How Is Deep Sea Fishing Different From Normal Fishing?
Glad you asked! By going out on a boat into the deeper waters, the fisherman is suddenly exposed to a pool of deep sea fish. These are totally different than your regular shallow water fish. We are talking big game fish - sharks, tuna, marlin, and swordfish just to name a few. You normally will not find these species closer to shore, as they require open and deeper waters to feed. The swimmers and surfers are surely thankful for that.

Check out this video to the see the kind of struggle that often take place during deep sea fishing.



Why Is It Fun?
This should be obvious by now, but let us discuss it anyway.

Picture a scenario - you go down to the local lake, cast your line, sit a while and catch your glorious carp or trout. Sounds like fun and it is.

Now picture this - you and some of your best friends sail out on a charter boat to go deep sea shark fishing. Do you have the Jaws theme playing in your head yet? Deep sea fishing puts the x in extreme sport fishing.

When it comes to adrenalin, there is simply no comparison between shallow water and the best deep sea fishing.

Check out this video to see some of the larger fish caught recently.



A Closer Look at Deep Sea Fishing Tuna
To describe an average deep sea tuna fishing expedition let's take Prince Edward Island in Canada is an example location. As you set out on your boat, you will often find whales, dolphins, and seals on your way to the fishing spot. For bait you will normally use mackerel, which you can catch or purchase before you set out in the deep sea.

PEI features the large bluefin tuna that often puts up a fight of two to four hours. There have even been recorded cases of blufin tuna fighting for as long as 24 hours. Finally, when the fish tires out, it begins making less energetic circles and this is the time to begin reeling it in.

Your trip is usually over at dusk, hopefully with a picture of you standing beside a huge tuna to take home.


The How-To Guide: Deep Sea Fishing Shark
A blue shark caught deep sea fishing off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada.One of the first and most important mentions according to the guides for how-to deep sea fishing is conservation. Always keep nature first and fun second. Fishing for sharks can be an exhilarating experience, but they are slow to reproduce and we must take extreme caution to not overfish. Therefore, the catch and release method can be extremely fun and a lot more conservative on the environment.

You are going to need a large boat; something in the range of 35 to 40 feet. You need the space for gear, the shark, and all your friends who are going to witness your majestic clash with one of nature's most powerful beasts.
For bait, you need something that bleeds. Sharks go crazy for blood, so the more the better. The usual suspects for shark bait are tuna, eels, and stingrays.
Make sure you bring the correct float. You will need to float your bait at different depths, so going out properly prepared is the key. Floats are usually made of Styrofoam or plastic balloons.
Once caught, HANDLE WITH CAUTION! This can not be stressed enough. Sharks are extremely agile and very quick. The second you do no respect it, it bites you. It is best to let an experienced shark fisherman handle your first catches to show you how it is supposed to be done properly. Even then, do not mess with a beast. Try to be gentle and not cause injury to the shark. Often even a small injury will mean a long and painful death to an animal that depends on its prime form to catch it prey.

5 Important Deep Sea Fishing Tips
Be One With Nature
A deep sea fisherman needs to establish some intuition and learn how to read into signs that a novice may not catch. For example, if you sea birds like gulls hovering over a particular area, that might be a good sign that there are smaller fish an a particular area, which means that the larger fish can not be too far either.
When Fishing For Tuna, Look Out For Dolphins
The two species often school together, so the dolphins often mark the tuna. Careful though, dolphins are protected so make sure you do not try to catch one.
Fish Near A Reef
There are many smaller fish that live on the reef, so the large fish go there to feed. This can be a potential gold min.
Motion Sickness
Motion sickness is an important factor to consider if you are a novice who has never gone out deep sea fishing. The purpose of the trip is supposed to be exhilarating fun. It will turn out quite differently than expected if you are prone to motion sickness. There are medications you can take to alleviate some of the symptoms, but if you are really prone to it, then reconsider the trip.
Go With Experts
It is always a good idea to have at least one person on board who knows a lot about deep sea fishing. A novice group should never travel alone, as this is a sport that holds a lot more danger than the average fishing trip. There are plenty of excellent deep sea fishing guides who can make your trip both fun and safe. It is also a recommended to find as much deep sea fishing info and learning materials as possible before heading out.

Best Deep Sea Fishing Spots
Hawaii
Available all year and you will find some of the best fishing variety of fish including marlin, tuna, and sailfish.
Coast of Maine
Here you will find some of the largest bluefin tuna and is also great for whale watching.
Florida Gulf Coast
Florida has some of the best deep sea fishing gulf locations in the world.
Destin
Deep sea fishing Destin is probably the most popular location among Florida spots.
Daytona Beach
Key West
Miami
Dauphin Island
Some of the most affordable deep sea fishing options in the United States.
Bodega Bay, California
Bodega Bay offers some of the most exciting king salmon fishing available.
Prince Edward Island
PEI offers giant bluefin tuna and shark fishing for the deep sea fishing enthusiasts wanting to visit Canada.
Cancun
Cancun offers all year fishing for several species like snapper, mackerel, barracuda, and shark.
Sitka, Alaska
Alskan fishing offers some of the largest halibut and salmon fishing around.
St. Lucia
St. Lucia has excellent fishing for blue marlin and yellow fin tuna and is also popular for whale and dolphin watching.

Article courtesy of worldfishingnetwork.com



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