It’s true, fishing is your thing, you know all the latest techniques to catching the big ones. So why not consider opening a bait shop. Bait shops are easy to get going, fun to run, and the ordering of new products is the next best thing to sliced bread. To start a bait shop you will need to know a few good basics to get the ball rolling.

1. Minnow Tanks – You are going to want a minnow tank with at least 6 stalls in it. Most bait shops carry at least 6 different minnows. If you decide for a tank with less stalls, then you should consider purchasing two or more tanks. Your minnow tanks will be equipped with air lines, and continuous water lines. On the end of the air lines, you will have air stones installed. The continuous water lines and air lines tend to float, you can weigh each line down with depth finders.

2. Refrigerators – You will need one small refrigerator and one large refrigerator. The small one you will leave in the shop for your night crawlers, worms, leeches and wigglers. The large refrigerator will be in a back storage area where you can keep your bulk live bait. Depending on the size of bait shop you will be opening, you may need one or more extra refrigerators.

3. Plastic Containers: These can be found online or through your distributor. To package your live bait you will want 8 oz. containers with lids for your one dozen night crawlers, worms and leeches. You will want 12 oz. or 16 oz. containers with lids for your two dozen night crawlers. You may use either plastic or Styrofoam containers. In my experience, the plastic containers work very well for night crawlers and worms, the Styrofoam containers work great for leeches. Some distributors will sell already made up containers thus saving you time but they are and will be more expensive which will cut into your profits.

4. Worm Bedding: You will be able to purchase worm bedding through your distributor. You cannot package the night crawlers and worms in dirt as a lot of customers go outside of the US for traveling, example would be Canada for fishing, and you cannot take US dirt over the boarder to Canada. When storing Worm Bedding be sure to keep the plastic bad tightly rolled up so it remains moist, otherwise, it will harden up over time.

5. Licenses: Before opening your doors, be sure to obtain the correct licenses for running a bait shop. You will have to contact your local Department Of Resources for a dealer’s license. This license will allow you to carry a certain number of live minnows. Then contact your Department of Revenue for a seller’s permit. Both license carry a small fee, and will have to be renewed every year or in some states every two years.

These are the basics to getting started. Bait Shop owners are known to have the longest business hours around. You generally have to open around 4:00 AM and plan on closing around 8:00 PM. May, June, July, August and September are the biggest months for open water fishing. October and November is usually considered down time depending on what you all have to offer in your shop. Once the ice freezes, December, January and February are hot months for ice fishermen. March and April are also considered down time, again, depending on what you all have to offer in your shop. Due to long hours, a lot of little bait shops do end up closing within the first year or two. It takes a great commitment to opening a bait shop but it is a very rewarding business to get going. You not only will meet all kinds of new and interesting people, but you will become the talk of the town, in a good way of course.

Fishing is a relaxing, rewarding way to enjoy your friends and the splendor of nature. In addition to putting a great meal on the table, it’s a great way to escape the pressure of your daily routine and the stresses of modern life.

But no matter what state you choose to go fishing in, you’ll have to get a license. Though requirements may differ from state to state, all states require you to have a fishing license. Many states offer different licenses for residents and non-residents. Each person on a fishing expedition must have his or her own fishing license.

To find out what your state requires, contact the state’s fish and wildlife agency. Agency names may vary. For example, Texas licensing is done by the Parks and Wildlife Department. California’s agency is the Department of Fish and Game. Check your phone book for the proper name and number to get information. Or search for “fishing license” on the Internet where most states make their information easily available to the public.

Don’t worry. You don’t have to take an exam or get a learner’s permit, and you don’t have to meet minimum age requirements. In fact, some states exempt children under a certain age from license requirements. Anyone can get a license to fish, and everyone must have one to begin the fishing expedition. You’ll have to provide some personal information, like your social security number or home address, and you will need a valid photo ID to get your license.

Many states allow fishing licenses to be purchased at stores near the fishing area. Bait shops, gas stations, and quick-marts may be able to provide a fishing license while you’re on the way to your spot. Some states offer licenses online. Depending on what you’re willing to pay, you may be able to get an annual or lifetime fishing license. You may also be able to get other “privileges” added to your fishing license for a small additional fee.

Some states offer different types of fishing licenses for different types of fishing. For example, North Carolina has different licenses for fishing in coastal salt waters, inland waters, or hunting and fishing combined. Fishing license fees are usually inexpensive, especially for the short-term variety.

You may have to meet specific conditions to get a specific type of license. For example, resident licenses may be available only to those who can demonstrate they’ve lived in the state for a year or more, that they’re a registered voter, that they’ve paid local property taxes. You may also have to show that you do not have a resident fishing license (or a license for hunting or trapping) in another state.

You can’t be too old to get a fishing license. Some states offer senior discounts or add special privileges to the senior’s fishing license. In many states, children don’t have to get a fishing license, though they may be required to take a course in fishing or hunting safety.

Before you go on your fishing trip, be sure to check out the state’s rules and regulations. Normally, they’ll be provided with your license. But you can also check the state’s internet site for detailed information on their rules.

One more tip, wherever you’re planning to go, find out if there are any fish consumption advisories on those waters. In the U.S. today, fish in many water bodies may be overly contaminated with harmful pollutants. While you’d have to eat a whole lot of contaminated fish over a very long period to be harmed, you may be more comfortable if you know about the health status of the fish where you’re planning your trip. For more information, contact the state’s fish and wildlife department for details on fish advisories in the area. You can also visit the U.S. EPA web site at www.epa.gov/waterscience/fish to learn more about this important issue.

Once you have your license, you’re on your way. Grab your gear, get your boat or wading boots, and pick up your companions. It’s time for some fun, relaxing bonding time with nature. And Good Luck!!!

For many Ohioans, the fall season provides an abundance of new outdoor activities. You have the amazing fall foliage and the start of the new hunting season as well as small community fall festivals,as well as the football season, which provide a variety of options available in Ohio during the fall.

One activity not to be missed is the tremendous fall fishing opportunities that are available across the state. The fish are feeding enthusiastically from Lake Erie to the Ohio River as they begin storing up fat reserves in preparation for winter, and this can make for some very successful fishing trips, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife.

RAINBOW TROUT

Thousands of rainbow trout, raised in Ohio’s state fish hatcheries, are released into local fishing holes and neighborhood lakes throughout Ohio in the fall. This annual stocking provides excellent opportunities for anglers to continue fishing into the cooler months- and it’s fun for the whole family.

STEELEHEAD

Steelhead start cruising the Lake Erie shoreline shortly after Labor Day, with rainfall and cooler temperatures triggering an increase in the upstream migrations. The Division of Wildlife annually stocks five Lake Erie tributary streams (Vermilion, Rocky, Chagrin and Grand rivers, and Conneaut Creek) with steelhead.

These fish eventually migrate into Lake Erie and spend the summer in the cooler part of the lake before returning to streams during the fall through the spring. Stream-caught steelhead trout average 25 inches in length, weigh five to six pounds, and have usually spent two to three summers out in the lake. There are a good number of trophy fish available that are over 30 inches long and weigh more than 10 pounds.

BASS, CRAPPIE, AND SUNFISH

Fishing inland reservoirs for bass, crappie, or sunfish also can be very productive. Late-season crappie are likely to be found near good cover such as fallen trees, artificial structure, or other stick-ups near sloping points, outside bends of creek channels, or steep shorelines adjacent to creek channels. If you move offshore just a bit fall crappie will hold in schools near drop off areas. A less traditional area that also is worth a try is the spillway where moving water may attract and concentrate crappie. Spillways often can be easy to fish from shore and they can be surprisingly productive.

Bass feed heavily this time of year on the bait fish that are abundant in the reservoirs. This can lead to some frenzied fishing action! Anglers should target shallow bays and structure that are adjacent to deeper waters. But the easiest way to find feeding bass is to look for schools of bait fish breaking the surface when a bass is feeding on them. Cast a top-water plug or a twister tail into the commotion and it should lead to success.

Sunfish will be in deeper water this time of year , but they will still be abundant and the bite will be fantastic! Like other species sunfish are on the constant feed during the fall fattening up for the winter. If you fish the the deeper waters for these fish you will be pleasantly please with your catch.

YELLOW PERCH

The most famous and remarkable fall perch fishery is still lake Erie and large catches can still be had. Also there are some inland reservoirs around the state that hold good populations of perch. Most of these reservoirs are located in northwest Ohio and the best ones for yellow perch include: Findlay Reservoir No. 1 (Hancock County), Metzger and Ferguson reservoirs (Allen County), Wauseon Reservoir No. 2 (Fulton County), Shelby Reservoir No. 3 (Richland County), Upper Sandusky Reservoir No. 2 (Wyandot County), and Willard Reservoir (Huron County).

WALLEYE AND SAUGEYE

Movement is the key for catching trophy walleye or saugeye that can be found in waterways across Ohio. Some late fall November walleye anglers find that fishing for walleye when they’re on the move is highly effective. Best baits for walleye are floating jigs tipped with white, yellow or fluorescent colored plastic tails. Saugeye become highly active this time of year as well. With lakes being drawn down for flood control, saugeye school up near areas where the flow is funneled down, such as bridge abutments. Vertical jigging or casting with twister tails or crankbaits works well to catch these female walleye/male-sauger hybrids.

Check out these quick tips for excellent autumn fishing or visit wildohio.com and click on “Fishing” for more details about choosing the right bait, places to fish, fish identification, and even how to fillet and cook the fish you take home. Recipes are available at wildohiocookbook.com

Anglers age 16 and older are required to have a valid fishing license to take fish, frogs or turtles from Ohio waters. Fishing licenses are available at bait and tackle stores, outdoor outfitters, major department stores, and at wildohio.com. An Ohio fishing license is one of the best recreational bargains available, costing state residents only $19 a year. Fishing licenses do not expire until February 28, 2009, anglers can enjoy the “hard water” season as well!

Ohio residents born on or before December 31, 1937 can obtain a free fishing license at any license vendor. Residents age 66 and older born on or after January 1, 1938 are eligible to obtain a reduced-cost senior fishing license for $10. A one-day fishing license is also available for $11, an amount that can be applied toward the cost of an annual license.

Just how does one start such a businessall There are lots of ways to start a business, but starting this one off on the wrong foot is going to cost you!

A nuisance animal or nuisance wildlife control business is a career that is right for some people and definitely not right for others.

Let’s start out with the job description:

Nuisance Wildlife Control Professional – Resolves nuisance wildlife complaints and prevents future ones. That is the job description in a nutshell albeit a bit oversimplified.

This description does not tell you that you will be climbing ladders, going into attics and crawlspaces and be challenged with wildlife on a daily basis. It goes with the territory.

What about education?

Most people who consider entering this career field have some knowledge of wildlife. They might come from a hunting, trapping or fishing background. This is a helpful because any wildlife knowledge is helpful to the trade.

A college education or a self study program is a leg up on the rest of your competitors.

Education is a great thing and the more you have of it, the better your chances of success will be.

There are very few schools that teach you how to become a Nuisance Wildlife Control Professional. The schools that do exist normally only have a short course and no ongoing support program to ensure your success.

So where does that leave most people? Going it alone. They have to be the pioneer and figure out each step along the way. Make one miss-step and get ready to shell out your hard earned cash to fix that mistake.

Now, back to starting your business.

You must of course obtain business licenses and insurances. If you are going to run this business out of your home, you may need additional homeowners insurance to protect you in the event something happens to your home like a flood or fire.

You will also need training and equipment. Training is important as this is not a business where you can fly by the seat of your pants. Remember that miss-step I was talking about earlier? This is where it will bite you good.

Everyone needs to advertise market and sell their services. With so many marketing messages thrown at consumers each and every second of the day, you have to stay on top of things here. Unfortunately for most new businesses, they are so busy opening their business that they do not spend enough time on this very important part of their start up. Another miss-step.

Nobody ever said it was going to be easy running your own business. It is a challenge, but a challenge that can be a lot of fun if done properly.

If it is your heart’s desire to make it happen, you will do it. With the proper vision, plan, equipment, training and system, you will forge ahead and break new grounds. Without these things in place, it is a recipe for a rough road ahead!

There is no doubt that the Current River is the most diverse stream in Missouri. It begins as a spring creek style trout river, and slowly transforms into one of the best smallmouth bass streams in the nation. Besides these species, there are also populations of Rock Bass, Walleye, and of course Bluegill.

The first twenty miles of the river make up the classic trout water. The river begins where Montauk Spring rises in the streambed of Pigeon Creek. For three miles below this point, the stream is stocked once a day with rainbow trout from March 1 through October 31. The upper part of this stretch which flows through Montauk State Park is managed for flies only. Artificial lures such as marabou jigs and single hooked rooster tail spinners fished on a spinning rod are perfectly legal, along with traditional fly gear. The rest of the river in the park allows all lures and baits. Montauk Spring Branch also flows through the park. The first quarter mile is catch and release only with flies only .Below there, all baits are allowed until it reaches the Current River, and fish may be kept. This area is also stocked daily.

Below Montauk State Park for nine miles, the river is managed for trophy rainbow and brown trout. The trout population varies from year, but you can count on there being between 250 and 700 trout per mile, which is a respectable number. Most are browns, but there are quite a few rainbows as well, including a number of wild trout.  This is a great area to float, but there is wading access at the lower end of Montauk State Park, Tan Vat, Baptist Camp, Parker Hollow, and Cedar Grove. This is a year-round fishery, with the best fishing in the seven miles between Montauk State Park and the Parker Hollow Access. Between Parker Hollow and Cedar Grove there are certainly trout, but wading can be tough, and the fish numbers are not terribly high. Artificial lures and flies only are allowed, and there is a restrictive length limit in place.

The eight miles between Cedar Grove and Akers Ferry is managed as a put and take trout fishery. It is heavily stocked with rainbow trout between March and September. In the four miles between Cedar Grove and Welch Spring the best trout fishing will be in the spring and fall, as that is the only time trout are stocked. Below Welch Spring until Akers Ferry, the water is significantly cooler, and trout are stocked all summer long. The best fishing is generally near the mouth of Welch Spring, where trout are stocked extensively. Below Akers Ferry, there are pockets of trout all the way to Pulltite Spring seven miles further downstream, but numbers drop significantly the further below Akers Ferry you get.

Between Akers Ferry and Round Spring, the fishing is spotty for both smallmouth bass and trout. There are decent rainbow trout numbers in the upper half, and decent smallmouth bass numbers in the lower half, but the fishing will be marginal. Smallmouth bass fishing picks up in earnest at the mouth of Round Spring. Between this point and Doniphan, Missouri lies some of the finest smallmouth water in the state. Fish in the one to three pound range abound, and larger fish are not uncommon at all. Rock Bass and Bluegill can also be found in great numbers. Around Van Buren, walleye enter the scene. This is one of the best stream walleye fisheries in the nation, and big Ozark strain walleyes abound. The next world record could come from the Current River. Jigging, trolling, and live bait fishing are all popular to catch these big walleye.

Every fisherman in Missouri should try fishing the beautiful Current River. Its crystal clear waters are home to some of the best fishing to be found in the United States. Whether you like smallmouth bass, trout, walleye, or just a big stringer of bluegill or suckers, this is a great place to go.

South Padre Island Fishing is sought after because of its number of options, bountiful list of exotic fish, challenging conditions and a beautiful backdrop. As it stands there are over 500 different species of fish including flounder, red fish, trout, drum, tuna, kingfish, wahoo and countless others. Fishing tends to take on three different forms: Bay Fishing, Deep Sea Fishing, or Canyon Fishing.

Bay Fishing

These fishing is fun because it lets you test your wits against the fish of the Laguna Madre Bay. Always a challenge this fishing is definitely a step compared to most fishing in lakes and ponds. At South Padre, you can get discounted rates for your fishing by using one of the many charter services who operate bay fishing boats. The two most common choices are (1) fishing party boat or (2) private charter trip. The key distinction is in the number of participants on the boat and the level of direct oversight by the captain.

Fishing party boats can have well over 10 people whereas a private charter trip is reduced to your party. Fishing on a party boat is cheaper in comparison with a cost of roughly $20 to $30 per fisherman. Private charter trips tend to begin at $350 for 2 people. Again, the main benefit of the private charter trips is their privacy and individualized attention. Most bay fishing trips are done in 3 to 5 hour intervals and go throughout the day.

Deep Sea Fishing

Deep Sea Fishing is a guaranteed good time for fisherman who have never experienced it before. It offers the opportunity to go after an entirely different set of fish wildlife and use unique casting methods. Common fish caught in this fishing include pompano, mackerel, and red snapper. Most of the deep sea fishing charters offer half day and full day options. The half day options usually run four hours and the whole day options run anywhere from 8 to 10 hours depending on the charter company. The private charter trip costs begin at $350 for 2 people for a half day trip and $500 for a full day trip. Party boat costs for deep sea fishing range from $50 to $80 a person depending on the number of hours. Spectators who are not fishing can generally get a reduced price as well. .

Canyon Fishing

This is really big game deep sea fishing. Some charter groups may call this different things; however, you will be essentially fishing over 40 miles off the Texas coast. Fishing in this region allows you to fish large fish, such as tuna, wahoo, and kingfish. The cost of these trips begins at roughly $1,000 for 2 people. Most of the Deep Sea Fishing trips begin early in the morning and some charters have afternoon half day trips.

Additional Fishing Tips & Advice

Ask if you will need a state fishing license. The best way to figure this out is to talk to either the captain of the charter or the state representative. If a state license is needed, you can call 1-800-895-4248 to purchase one.

Other tips to keep in mind when choosing a charter group include the following:

The Captain’s years of experience: All things being equal, the more time you spend at something the more knowledge you pick. Opt for a captain that has paid his dues and you will likely be rewarded with a treasure trove of knowledge, stories and tips.

Seaworthiness of the ship: This will most likely not be a concern; however, it pays to select newer boats over older ones as they are less likely to break down while in the water.

Check to see if you can grill your catch on the pier: Some charter groups let you cook your fish right off the pier. This is great for culminating a successful round of fishing.

See what equipment you will need: Almost all the fishing charters will give you the fishing equipment free. However, you will want to know what other items you can bring, such as drinks, food or your own fishing equipment. These will vary from charter as the captain truly is the captain of their boat.

South Padre Island Fishing is a can’t miss experience that can be enjoyed by the whole family. If you haven’t had a chance to go deep sea fishing, you will want to be sure to add this to your list of activities.