When you watch videos of fly fishing and casting they make it look so smooth and graceful, almost like a dance. And watching those experts at work has 2 effects: you want to get out there and do it yourself, but you’re afraid to try because you just know you’d never be able to pull it off. Well, it’s not as hard as you might think. Here are some fly fishing and casting tips to help you get started.

Be Patient

The key to fly fishing is patience. It’s going to take some practice to learn how to do it right. But even after you’ve gained some skill you’ll still need to be patient when you’re out there on the water. Many a fish has been lost because the angler pulled the fly just a second too soon.

You’ll Need To Practice

Few people are born knowing how to fly fish. It’s a skill you have to learn and practice makes perfect. The good news is – you can practice anywhere, you don’t need to be anywhere near water to learn. In fact, one of the best places to practice is your own backyard. So don’t wait until you ‘have the time.’ Just do it!

Learn One Technique

If you have a collection of videos or websites you’re using to learn casting – STOP! Pick just one. It doesn’t even matter which one you choose. Pick one and practice that technique until you’ve got it down pat. You know the old saying about too many cooks spoiling the brothall The same holds true when you’re learning to cast.

Timing Is Everything

Fly fishing and casting looks like a dance because, just like a good waltz, timing is everything. Your casts have to be smooth and properly timed. Back cast, forward cast, release – these are the steps of your dance. Your transitions, or timing, will vary depending on the length and angle of your cast but each step has to move smoothly into the next. If you’re having trouble with your cast then, typically, it’s because your timing is off.

Think Like A Fly

The one mistake most beginners make is to aim their strike into the water. But you’re using a fly as bait and flies land on the water, not in it. Aim at a spot above the water where you want the fly to land to it can lend gently on the surface, like a real fly would. Sending your fly into the water just scares the fish away.

Find A Good Teacher

Of course, the best way to learn fly fishing and casting is to find a good teacher. There’s a lot more to fly fishing then just knowing how to cast and even the most experienced anglers learn something new every time they go out on the water. Start by learning the basics from someone who really knows what they’re doing and you’ll have a lot more fun.

Many people list salmon angling at the top of their must do chart. If you do, Ausable River salmon angling is definitely worth your time.

While many people may think that you can’t find good salmon angling outside of Alaska or British Columbia – this is not true. Many states in the United States offer salmon angling, and Michigan is one of the best in this regard. Angling is a great experience in the Midwest, and Michigan’s Lake Huron is a perfect spot for people looking to find walleye and other northern climate fish. Another great spot here is the Ausable River, salmon angling here can be very rewarding when you choose this area for your angling trip.

The Ausable River, along with the nearby Betsie River, have many salmon that migrate to their waters from Lake Michigan. Both Chinook salmon and king salmon are prevalent here, with August through November seeming to be a prime time to catch these fish on their spawning runs up these rivers. Ausable River salmon angling can be a challenge, due to the fact that these fish can easily be spooked and don’t always go for the same lures, but true sport fishermen will enjoy the challenge that these fish pose.

While choosing to fish in this part of Michigan, you’ll definitely need a place to stay. Many cabins and small motels and lodges offer rustic amenities to outdoors people who are on a angling trip. The Ausable River Valley holds towns that have many different spots for lodgings, with cities like East Tawas offering campgrounds, cottages, cabins and resorts. The Timberlane Resort, located in East Tawas near Lake Huron, this site offers you the opportunity to not only do some Ausable River salmon angling, but to also fish for other species in Lake Huron.

Ausable River also offers other scenic and historic things to see and do, for those times when you need a break from angling. Here, the Tawas Point and Sturgeon Point lighthouses, both built in the 1800′s, offer some beautiful scenery. Also located here are many places in which to see varied wildlife native to the area. Angling in this part of Michigan can be a great family vacation as well, because of the different activities available to suit everyone’s tastes.

Ausable River salmon angling offers the challenge and reward that many fishermen crave. Remember, a angling license is needed if you choose to fish here, even if you’re a non-resident (as long as you’re over 17), and they can be purchased either annually or for just 24 hours. You will need an unrestricted license if you are angling for salmon.

The wonderful thing about the vastness of the State of Alaska is the number of areas that a person can fish. There are Alaska Fishing Lodges in nearly every region with each providing a unique and exciting experience to the angler. The Yakutat Lodge is one of those lodges where a person can find the fishing, accommodations and service that combines for a great fishing vacation.

Yakutat Lodge is located close to the Situk River, near the top of Alaska’s Inland Passage. The Situk River is known for having the largest wild-stock Steelhead population in Alaska. In addition you can try you hand at fishing for Halibut and King Salmon.

You can design a fishing trip that fits your desires and budget. Fully guided fishing trips are offered to all anglers, including fly-fishing. To reach the many fishing locations, Yakutat Lodge has available boats, vehicles, and even airplanes. You can even schedule trips into the Yakutat Ranger District Tongass National Forest.

A wonderful bonus to this Alaska Fishing Lodge is that they will prepare your catch in their custom fishing boxes. This includes filleting and freezing your catch. If you happen to reel in “the big one”, they will gladly prepare your trophy catch for shipping to your taxidermist.

If you need to gear up, you will find a tackle shop on site. Here you can buy or even rent some of the basic fishing equipment you will need. They offer a generous assortment of baits, flies, lures, tackle and fishing licenses.

The Yakutat Lodge has a rustic feel for the outdoorsman, yet there you will find comfortable and clean rooms. Each room comes with its own private bath and if you seek a cabin experience you will find those as well. Another benefit to fisherman is that each room or cabin also comes with its own freezer. After a day of fishing, you can enjoy the delicious meals in the dining room and swap stories with fellow anglers.

If you wish to take a day of from fishing, take advantage of the sightseeing activities. Enjoy kayaking, glacier tours, beachcombing and flyouts. There are hiking areas and miles of beach to explore, so bring your camera. The entire trip to Yakutat Lodge can be an experience of the senses.

Your Alaska Fishing Lodge experience at Yakutat Lodge offers much to anglers of all kinds and should be one that is added to your list of vacation destinations.

On Saturday at the Arctic Circle® I talked with a man who had just got back from ice fishing at Gray’s Landing on Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir. He had four fish from two to four pounds, rainbows. The wind had come up blowing him and his son of the lake at 35 miles per hour. When we left the “cuisine center” of our small town, he asked my wife and me if we would like some fish. I like to catch my own fish and my wife doesn’t like trout so I said, “No.”

A girl in my Sunday School class told me that she had ice fished at Gray’s Landing. That was several years ago when we had first come to Idaho. Also, my son lives near the great lakes and there are always ice houses on the lake until they sink to the bottom along with their cars in the spring thaw. (The Coast Guard rescues the fishermen so that they can spend the summer building new ice houses.) Anyway, I had the ice fishing thing in my craw.

The sun was out yesterday to my surprise so I asked my wife if she would like to take a drive. I didn’t hear an answer so I looked around the house for her.

I couldn’t find her with her bears and dolls nor in her office.

There was no light under the bathroom door nor was she in the master bedroom or in my bathroom.

As usual, I checked the garage.

She wasn’t there either and I decided to call 911.

Then the car horn blasted. I went back into the garage and there she was in the front seat of the car.

We call that cabin fever up here in Idaho. That’s also what we called it in Colorado and Iowa when the snow was over the roofs of some houses and we drove through “snow tunnels” to get to the grocery store.

Wife: Where we goin’all

Hack Writer: Just for a ride.

When we headed south on Highway 69 toward Nevada she said, “You’re going fishing, aren’t you! Take me back home.

Hack Writer: We’re heading back to Arizona.

Wife: I didn’t pack for Arizona. I didn’t pack at all. Where ARE we going!

Hack Writer: I don’t even have a fishing license yet.

Wife: Since when did that stop you from fishing?

Hack Writer: Not for game fish. Besides, I don’t even have a fishing pole with me.

Wife: I saw you pack that big Styrofoam® carton from Omaha Steaks®. You put that short fishing pole that Barry gave you in there. I saw you.

(I had forgotten about that short fishing pole that my son had given me. Darn! I should have stopped for a license.)

Hack Writer: I’m just checking out a fishing spot for spring.

Near the Nevada border, we turned down to Gray’s Landing. The road was a washboard but for some reason my wife didn’t complain except to say, “SLOW DOWN!”

Bumping down to the shore of Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir (the reservoir that didn’t fill up for 80 years because of the lava rock sucking up the water faster than the arid Nevada mountains could supply it) we found a half-dozen cars and about ten people fishing through the ice. This reservoir is full of fish because we raise a lot of trout in Idaho and sometimes the hatcheries have an excess of big trout and they dump them by the thousands in the nearest lake.

There was a rainbow trout flipping around on the ice. I heard a voice:

“Don’t walk out here! You’ll fall on your arse!”

I thanked the guy.

“I fell on my arse this morning.”

I thanked him again.

One guy had a camera in the water to look at the fish swimming around. I wanted to see that but I didn’t have ice skates or snow cleats. I was unprepared for a sojourn on the ice.

I got out a pair of binoculars, then a larger pair, but Big Foot was nowhere to be seen.

I told my wife to jot down a list of things I would need for ice fishing, which she did. When I got home, I got on the net and priced out the equipment as follows:

http://www.llbean.com

Polartec Power Dry Zip-T, Midweight, A Moisture-Wicking First Layer Is the Key to Comfort $40.00

Polartec Power Dry Pants, Midweight, A Moisture-Wicking First Layer Is the Key to Comfort $34.00

Mountain Guide Parka, Gore-Tex $319.00

Snow-Sport Pants $149.00

Gore-Tex Mountain Guide Gloves $79,00

http://cozywinters.com

STABILicers Sport – Snow and Ice Cleats $34.95

WarmGear Battery Heated Fleece Vest $149.95

WarmGear Battery Heated Stadium Seat Cushion $59.95

http://www.allseasonssports.com/

5-Frabill Arctic Siren Tip-Up Light $13.99

http://www.fishusa.com

Bottom Line Fishin’ Buddy 2202 $149.95

StrikeMaster Strike-Lite 4-Cycle Power Auger – $5.95 domestic shipping! Your Price: $499.95

[http://www.altapower.tv/]

69192 – ProFish 250 – 73″ Tall – 2 Man Shelter Our Price: $479.99

Well, that aught to do it! Let’s add it up.

$2015.60!!!

Well, spring IS just around the corner.

The End

copyright©2007 John Taylor Jones, Ph.D.

Wind: A slight breeze can really turn on fishing, but a heavy wind is most likely to turn fish off. During a slight breeze fish the windy side where all the debris is brought to by the wind. The debris (driftwood or whatever) contains small insects and such. This attracts small fish which, therefore, attracts the larger bass. During a heavy wind the bass become inactive and head for deeper water. When the water is dead calm, the bass become spooky. The fish will hold tightly to cover and will not look upwards toward the surface if they do not have to, unless it is low light conditions. With no wind, overcast or low light periods top water fishing can be deadly.

Rain: Rain can make fish very active. In the early season rain can cause warming in the water which makes fish more active. During the hot days of summer, rain can cause the water to cool down, which invokes largemouth bass to be more active. Also, the rain causes insects and such to flow in the water which can cause a feeding frenzy. The second thunder and lightning or very heavy rain start to happen the fish will be spooked and during this time it is extremely hard to entice a bass to bite an artificial lure. After this, the fish will be unwilling to eat much for the next few days. If you still want to fish a day or two after the rainstorm you must use the lightest line possible and the smallest lure possible so you do not spook the bass again. In muddy conditions, fishing can prove very hard after a heavy thunderstorm.

Cloud Cover: Very cloudy conditions can make a bass become active. The cloud cover can stop light from entering into the water. Bass are light sensitive, meaning they do not enjoy a lot of light. With cloud cover, largemouth will be willing to cruise around and attack any prey that happen to swim bye. In very cloudy conditions top water fishing can be a very good technique. Clear skies mean that more light can enter the water. Bass will hide from the light and stay right inside thick cover. Texas rigged worms work well in this situation. You must cast by the suspected area where bass may hold and retrieve the lure as close to it as possible. Purple/black coloured worms seem to be a good choice in most conditions.

Article courtesy of the Bass Fishing Tips Online Website

If you’re interested in bass fishing lures, it’s necessary to explore some of the reasons why bass bite. Is there one feature that makes one bass fishing lure better than anotherall There are many features to bass fishing lures but the most important by far is realism. The more realistic your bass fishing lure the better. In other words the more your lure looks like the quarry the bass normally eats, the better.

So what types of quarry do bass normally eat? Live crayfish, minnows, shad, lizards, small rodents, frogs, and almost any other aquatic quarry that they can fit into their mouth. The most popular of these aquatic quarries (depending on the lake or river system) are probably crayfish, minnows, frogs, and shad. In many lakes shad are amazingly abundant and a major food source for bass.

The more that your bass fishing lures look like the quarry they normally eat the more success you will experience. This is why top water lures that mimic frogs and minnows are so effective in flat water conditions. Any seasoned bass angler knows how effective (and fun) top water bass fishing lures are to use in the right situations. The main reason for this is because top water lures that mimic frogs or bait fish appear so much like the real thing to the bass when the bass is looking up through the water at the lures silhouette.

So what about other bass fishing lures, where the bass sees said lure in the water with the bass, rather than above the bass such as in the case of a top water fishing lure? In most cases it is imperative that these types of bass fishing lures appear as natural as possible to the bass. You want your bass fishing lure to look as realistic as possible, especially when said bass fishing lure is in the water with the bass, rather than above the bass.

The bottom line is that there are many reasons why bass bite, but one of the most important is the fact that your bass fishing lures look as realistic as possible. The easiest way to know that you’re dealing with a realistic fishing lure is to experience it for yourself or see video evidence of the fact that the bass fishing lure looks like a real fish. The more realistic the lure appears, the more effective it will be, it’s as simple as that.

When it comes to fishing there are two sorts that are regularly undertaken, recreational fishing and commercial fishing. As such there is a wide range of types of fishing boats that are used in the fishing process.

When it comes to commercial fishing boats most people will think of trawlers scouring the oceans for fish. Trawlers basically pull a trawl net though the water catching fish in the way. As with most forms of commercial fishing the nets are often considered bad for fishing as they are indiscriminate in the fish caught. Trawlers will either drag their nets along the bottom of the ocean or at a depth dependent on the type of fish being hunted. Normally solo craft some trawlers do work in teams.

The other best known forms of fishing boats are the drifters, these are commercial vessels that send out and take in drift nets. These vessels are the most controversial of fishing boats, as the nest are blamed for the deaths of turtles and dolphins in huge numbers. Drift fishing is now banned in international waters and most national waters only allow limited usage of the nets. There are often limits on the size of the nets, although 2.5km for a net still seems like a huge length for a net.

There are also other forms of boats including Seine fishing boats also known as seiners. These boats operate nets that hang vertically in the water and fish are basically circled into the net. There are also factory ships that operate as fishing boats, these vessels are basically trawlers, seiners, drifters etc that also operate as a factory, processing and freezing their catches of fish.

Most recreational fishing is normally undertaken by the river or lake side, although it is not unknown for fishing boats to also be utilized. Most people would normally associate charter boats with recreational fishing. There is though no common type of charter boat, and depends on the type of fishing being undertaken. In the Caribbean the boats are more like private yachts, whilst in England the vessels are more likely to be traditional fishing vessels.

There are though other smaller forms of recreational fishing boats, including Kayak fishing vessels and pontoon boats. Both of these types of boats are normally for one or two anglers that can fish in areas of lakes and rivers that larger boats cannot get to.

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!!!

Spring is here, which means it’s almost runoff time for Colorado fishing waters. While the prospect of high, muddy rivers dissuades many anglers, this season provides some great opportunities and perhaps some of the largest fish of the year for those willing to adjust their tactics. Just ask any shop, guide or outfitter, this is not a time to sit out!

Here are a few tips to get you started this spring:

1. In high water, slow it down

As spring’s high waters arrive, look for trout to be holding in areas that might not be typical. Riffles that would normally hold fish may be abandoned during runoff. Many areas that provide the most oxygenation and a constant stream of drowned insects later in the year may be buried in a rush of muddy water.

When this happens, look to those places where fish will find the most refuge. Slower eddies and pockets full of backwash become the spring havens for trout. Though considered “frog water” later in the year, for now they provide trout the environment they need after a winter of sluggish survival.

In addition, look for seams where muddy meets clear water or fast meets slow. Bends in the river where water slows and creates deeply incised banks can also be productive places to lay a fly.

2. Slow it down, then weigh it down

We often hear a saying in Colorado that the difference between a decent fly fisherman and a great fly fisherman is one split shot. Particularly during the early season, the importance of proper weight becomes all the more important.

With fast water, increased weight becomes necessary and usually more than most anglers realize. When fishing eddies and slower pockets, drifts are short, meaning you have little time to get the fly down. Compensate by adding more weight to your line.

3. Get flashy in your fly selection

When waters are muddy, you need every advantage you can get. While nature has yet to produce a chartreuse or bright pink stonefly, this is your opportunity to get a little creative with your bugs. Bead heads and flashy parts of all kinds should be welcome in your spring fly box. The added attention may be just what you need in unclear waters.

As a final word of caution to spring fisherman, we strongly encourage the protection of spawning trout by avoiding “reds” or spawning beds. These areas are often visible as light colored circles on the streambed. Trout can frequently be seen hovering over these beds and while they may be willing to take a fly, it is best to let them continue their spawn undisturbed. Be particularly careful when wading, not to walk over these fragile collections of eggs, as they are the future of our trout populations.