Fishing

The term fishing refers to the act of hunting fish and other aquatic animals such as shellfish, squid, octopus, turtles and frogs. However hunting of whales is not included in this category. The art of fishing can be traced back to about 10,000 years during the Mesolithic period. Though our ancestors used fishing as a main source of food, now it has become not only a sport but also a favorable pass time. The age old techniques are replaced with modern technological advancements. The different modes of fishing are hand, spear and bow, kite and ice fishing, dredging, electro fishing, fishing nets and traps. Trained animals, toxins and explosives are also used for fishing.

Hand fishing is an ancient method of catching fish using hands, without any gadgets. This practice is illegal in Kansas of the United States. Conventional Spear fishing is limited to shallow waters. Speargun and tridents are used to improve the efficiency. Fishing nets made of artificial polyamides, nylon, wool and silk are used to trap the fishes. In Trawling, fishing net is dragged through the water behind the boat. Once the fish gets hooked in the gillnet, at its gill covers, the mobility of the fish is completely stalled. Hooks and bait are used to trap the fish in Fish lining. The commercial method is used to hang many baits from a single line. Kite fishing originally from China is used to explore and navigate in shallow water bodies and reef rich area which otherwise is impossible. These areas are abundant in fish. Ice fishing, practiced by hunter-gatherers is an interesting technique where in lines and hooks are introduced through a small vent or opening in the frozen water body.

Cormorant fishing is the traditional method of fishing followed in China and Japan. In this mode, a metal ring fixed around the bird’s neck stops the fish being swallowed by it. Sometimes poisonous such as cyanide and toxic substances are employed to suffocate the fish and paralyze them. This is illegal. Dynamite or blast fishing is also an illegal method of fishing which affects the coral reef and destabilizes marine environment. The fish can be collected either from the bottom or scooped from the water surface.

Recreational fishing that is used for competition or entertainment follows conventional rules, licensing limitations and laws that specify the ways in which fish could be caught. Usually in recreational fishing, baits are attached to rods or lines to catch the fish. On the other hand commercial fishing is aimed at supplying fish across different continents. The species fished include tuna, cod, shrimp, clams, squid, crab and salmon. Laws governing commercial fishing markedly differ from that of recreational or sport fishing.

Fishing should never be carried out in unauthorized waterways. Life jackets should be worn while fishing in a boat. It is advisable to carry safety devices, maps and torch while fishing. Care has to be taken while baiting and detaching the hooks. It should be noted that carbon monoxide is not built up around the houseboat. Speed limits have to be maintained and enjoy fishing without disturbing aquatic fauna and flora.

Barbel are the most revered of all river fish coarse fish. This is due to that the barbel is definately to hardest fighting river fish, and the hardest fighting coarse fish in my opinion. When a Barbel is hooked, it uses muscle power in the current to create an awetsome fight, which will either leave you fishless or breathless, depending on whether you have strong enough tackle to cope!

Tactics

Although some Barbel are caught in deep, slugish water, it is the clear fast flowing regions which hold mor fish. In this environment, Barbel can be pursued in their best form. Stalking the river banks looking for signs of fish activity is a great technique, look especially near sweeping bottom weed. The best method is to carry a light amount of tackle, and pre-bait with pellets & hemp and move onto the next swim.

Baits

It is sensabile to carry a selection of different baits, especially in different sizes. Specialist will usually fish larger baits like cubes of luncheon meat and big pellets in summer, when fish will feed more aggressively, but will move onto smaller baits such as maggots or worms in the winter months.

Spinning rods, usually in the range of 1.5 - 2.6 m length are used for bass and salmon fishing, trolling and still fishing with live bait. Ultra-light spinning and casting rods used for fishing smaller species are very small in size. Ice Fishing Rods are very short spinning rods about 24-36 inches in length. These are used to catch fish through small holes over frozen water body or ice. Surf casting rods that resemble spinning or bait casting rods are mainly used for two-handed casting techniques. They are available in size of 3-4m.

also known as fishing pole is a device used to catch fish originated in ancient Egypt, China, Greece and Rome. This is usually used along with nets for angling. The fishing rod is a long and flexible advanced casting tool fitted with line guides. An ideal fishing rod gradually tapers from butt to tip and tight at all joints. The taper has to be smooth without any ‘dead spots’. The increase in the length of fishing rod aids in casting.

Initially fishing rods were made of light and tough materials like Calcutta reed and also ash wood. This is now replaced by sophisticated fiberglass and graphite composites. Cork, wood or wrapped cane is used for making handles and grips of the rod. The butts are made of maple with bored bottom.

Today’s fishing rods made of cork, steel and titanium grip are classified based on their weight and action. The different types of fishing rods available in general are Carbon Fibre Pole, Bait Casting, Spin Casting Rods, Spinning Rods, Ultra-light Rods, Ice Fishing Rods and Surf Rods.

The Carbon Fibre Pole is a sophisticated fishing rod mainly used in Europe. The pricing of the rod is based on the carbon fibre material that goes in the making of fishing rod. The size varies from 5 to 18.5 meters. The main advantage of this rod when compared with others is its unique ability to accurately position the bait. This feature enables feeding of fish ensuring a better catch.

Fly Fishing Lines

Fly-fishing lines are made of woven synthetic strands coated with several thin layers of plastic; three different types of lines are formed. The various types of lines are the ones that float, that sink gradually and the lines that sink immediately. The type of line is chosen based on the nature of casting. A double-taper fly line is noted by its smaller diameter at its first and last 8 m and a larger diameter all through the rest of line. Contrary to this Weight-forward tapers are designed in such a way that, they have a larger diameter in the front portion than rest of the line. Sometimes fly lines are heavy and cumbersome to cast. To ease this problem fly-fishers fix a small sized monofilament line at the end of the fly line. This is called leader and is much lighter than the fly line. This facilitates the angling without causing any disturbances or turbulence on the surface of water. This invisible attachment draws attraction of the fish. The leader makes the lure more natural and protects them from being damaged.

Braided Lines

Braided lines derive their name from the way they are braided with fibres into strands of lines. The usual material used is Spectra or Micro-Dyneema. They are so strong that fish can not easily tear it apart. It also resists abrasion to greater extent. Most of the anglers do not prefer braided lines for fresh water fishing. This is because braids are more blatant in clear water. In an attempt to attract the fish using the bait, the fish should not be harmed. While using a braided fishing line care has to be taken to ensure that it can handle the rod well. Sometimes the braid cuts into the cheap guides. The braids have a small diameter. These weightless fishing lines are the best option for topwater baits. Braids are too tough and can be cut only using scissors.

Monofilament Line

Monofilament is preferred over other fishing lines as they are user friendly and can be designed to adapt to the changing fishing conditions. Polymers in definite proportion are heated till they turn into a fluid of desired consistency. This hot fluid is then extruded through very small holes to form strands of line. The diameter of the line is determined by the size of extrusion hole. This is then cooled quickly. The ingredient that goes into the making of Monofilament fishing line determines the features of line such as limpness, strength, toughness and casting. Stiffer lines hold the shape of the spool. They are cheaper to use. However the costlier versions are more durable and have consistent strength, color and diameter. This has amazing potential to stretch. The wider range of stretch becomes more flexible when big fishes get hooked and at same time it’s difficult to hook. The degree to which the fishing line can be stretched depends on the amount of additives that goes into the making.

It is a means of providing something to free the mind and body of the worries of the day. It has also been proven to help in mentoring troubled teens, replacing negative thoughts and activity with more positive traits and pursuits. Overall is truly a wholesome sport.

The use of all types of equipment has added something that no other feature could possibly accomplish. Thousands of youngsters are enthusiastic to learn how to cast a fly or plug bait.

These youngsters have an interest in fish and fishing and they desire to fish in a lawful and recreational manner.

Boiled down, fish and fishing may be considered one of man’s essential resources. It is hoped that further realization of it as a hobby will develop the necessary knowledge of the true recreational value of the sport, the fish, and the general conservation of all natural resources as well as the value of good sportsmanship and developing good citizens.

Many people consider that fish are just a source of food; yet there is another angle that is little known. The manufacturing industry deals with more than two 2 billon pound of fish and fishing tackle per anual. Which is slightly more than is used for food.

What most people do not know is that fishing has become one of the most popular sports in Europe, and anglers are growing everyday

As an interest it is rapidly growing and that is why the estimated number of anglers who purchase a rod license each year is more than twelve million.

Moreover, surveys show that for every pound spent for a license, there are sixteen pounds spent for equipment, such as tackle, food, clothing, and transportation. There is more money spent on equipment than on any other hobby in existence.

What a fish. This Common Carp set the new world record, caught in Germany just before Christmas

An still I have this undescribable joy in me…… and a muscular strain in the arms, which I did not feel ever before….
It was a beautiful sunny Sunday noon, and although on the calendar were only 7 days to Christmas, the temperature had all other as a winter character.
Because I had some problems at home, I decided shortly to escape, in order to visit my, for 2007 planned “goal waters”.
I decided myself, to use the last 4 hours for fishing at those the sun still shines from the sky.

Read about the new Carp record here

PVA bags are used mainly by carp fishermen, However I have used them for beach casting.

The PVA bag dissolves on contact with water and releases whatever it contains. I make a bread, old bait and pilchard oil mash. I make it very dry so it won’t effect the bag. Course anglers use them for boillies and bread to ground bait.
If I am beach casting I then lower the weight into the PVA bag and seal it, then cast it out.
The idea is this produces a strong scent trail and attracts fish to your bait.

I would simply like to thank all my new readers.

The site has only been running for a few months and already we are soring with traffic. The past 2 days has seen over 100 uniques a day.

I will do everything I can to make this the best blog going on fishing over 2007 and with your help it will be, easily.

Here’s to a top 2007 for Bass fishing, Carp fishing, fly fishing, beach casting or whatever you practice.

Ye haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you all for reading my words about “fishing” and the feed back I have received from many of you.

I look forward to next year with great anticipation. GOOGLE has indexed the site well and we are in the top results for many fishing related terms. My Fishing guide is coming along well. A few teething problems have been ironed out and I will be heavily promoting it in the next few months.

I Hope all you followers of Beach casting, Fly fishing, Course fishing, Boat fishing and all other disciplines got what you needed/wanted for Christmas to help you better your chosen sport in the following months.

Good luck to you all,

Tight Lines

Before you start fishing just wet your net. This will help the net sink when you put it into the water to land your prize fish. This also makes the net more friendly to your fish, less stiff and abrasive.
When you play your fish and it’s ready to be netted, lower the net with your free hand into the water below the fish. Draw the fish towards and over the net and then lift it quickly catching the fish in it. You also need to pull it towards you and lift the end of the handle at this time enveloping the fish inside. Don’t drag the fish up the bank but lift it clear of any obstructions.
It’s a good idea for the protection of the fish for you to wet your hands before handling it to protect the fishes slime.
Above all, even if you decide to keep the fish, make the netting process clean and swift so as not to stress your catch and onlookers.

A Spod is a rocket shaped tube used for getting light weight Carp baits at range.

To cast your spod you will want a rod capable of handling 6 -12 oz’s. A cheap beach caster is ideal. With the spod empty or containing some water cast the spod to the zone you want to ground bait. When you are happy with the range, clip the line onto the line clip on your spool and now when you cast the clip should drop the spod into your zone every time.

Some people start spodding for a few days before fishing to create a feeding frenzy of Carp. Others just start on the day – the choice is yours.

After you have been fishing, rinse your reels in fresh water to get rid of salt, grit and other deposits.

Allow the reel to dry in a well ventilated area. For protection place it into a sock. When its in the foot of the sock, twist the sock and pull it back through its self, making a double skinned reel sausage.

You can send your reels away for servicing as per makers instructions or attempt DIY servicing.

Rember warrenties may become void if you select the DIY option.

The Chub will fall to Bread, Cheese and big black slugs!

You can lure fish for them also.

Happy fishing