The weather is warming up, which means it is time for some fishing. If Michigan is your destination, you can't do worse than the Lake Hubbard Fishing Resort.

Tucked up in the Northeastern part of Michigan is an 8,800 acre lake called Lake Hubbard. The lake is the 2nd largest inland lake in the State and is a poplar destination for both vacationers and serious fishermen. The lake was important in the early history of Michigan as military outposts along its shores were used during the Indian wars in the area. In recent years, several full service resorts have been built in the area. These resorts offer all the amenities from restaurants to golf course, but it is still the natural lure of the cold and scenic waters of the lake that make a Lake Hubbard Fishing Resort a nirvana for an angler.

The large is large. It spans a full 7 miles across at its widest point from North Bay to Backus Beach. It is stocked with bass, perch, pike, and trout. The real treat here is that strange northern cold water fish called the walleye. The walleye gets its name from its strange eyes that reflect light in the same manner as a cat. This strange eye gives the walleye extraordinary vision especially in dark and unclear water.

This is why the walleye is most active at night and many fishermen like to take advantage of this trait and pursue them at night. However, this misses the chance to combine the hunt for this elusive game fish with a chance to view some of the most scenic views in North America. National Geographic Magazine had an article that selected the ten most beautiful lake views in the World, and the view from Mt. Maria along Hubbard Lake was on the list.

The way to get both the view and a good chance for successful walleye fishing is to take advantage of something the experienced walleye fisherman calls the "walleye chop." This is a condition that occurs when the sky is overcast and the wind is blowing a bit churning up the water. Although windy conditions generally mean poorer fishing, it is just the opposite for going after Walleye. The walleye takes advantage of his better vision to feed during this period and your lure might just be on his menu.

You can find just about anything you could want from an ideal fishing vacation when you plan that trip for one of the Lake Hubbard fishing resorts. You can play golf and take scenic rides along the roadways that skirt the lake. Although it gets quite cold and the lake usually freezes over in the winter, ice fishing and winter sports are available. The changing colors of fall are breathtaking. Everyone knows the advantages of summer weather in the North. Yet it may be the spring that is the best simply for the fact that it is then that Mr. Walleye gets really hungry.

It's as simple as this: Fish Like Musselmeat. In reality they're stupid enough to eat anything, but as fishermen we know that giving them something they'll actually enjoy is more likely to result in a successful day's fishing than trying to feed them something they detest. So offer them a product that give them just what they want: real musselmeat. It's a rare treat for the fish, since mussels are generally so difficult for them to get hold of and get into, and, with their taste buds (or the fish equivalent, at least) quivering, they begin nibbling on your hook.

Musselmeat is ideal for blending in with other feeds and mixes straight from the tin. No messy preparation, no silliness. The hardest part with fishing with fresh mussels (apart from the massive hole in your wallet) is in removing the meat from the clam. The Pro Logic tinned version at least makes acquiring and preparing them just that little bit easier.

Musselmeat really stinks: it makes sense, since it's fish, and it's probably about to go off. It's lively and it smells just like it should. Obviously the fish don't care, and that's really all that matters.

A disadvantage of using tinned musselmeat over the fresh stuff is that it loses the 'milking' action that fresh mussels have when placed in the water. This attracts certain other types of fish to the bait. However, we feel that this is a minor point, and we don't think the hassle of real mussels in any way makes up for the price and inconvenience premium that you have to pay.

As with all good baits musselmeat is pretty versatile. Carp ace Derek Ritchie supposedly uses it extensively, so it's probably quite popular with Carp. Tench are attracted to it, too, and it has been suggested that it makes a good bait for chub and barbell.

Musselmeat in a tin can be crushed in the hand or through a riddle. It is great for incorporation in method feeder mixes, boilie mixes, and particle mixes, all directly from the tin.

And it's cheap, so why not try it out? As with all fishing bait it's all down to what works for you in your favourite spot.

Before I even begin, let me clarify something. I'm not talking about rubber worms that come in a thousand different colors. I'm referring to what Hank Hill calls "The good old American worm". When I say do you fish with worms, I'm of course referring to the live variety that we all learned how to fish with. I'm not sure of the reasons behind it, but I am sure of the fact that fish of all kind like worms. So how do you fish with and carry your worms while fishing?

Let's start with taking your worms fishing with you. Do you just carry the worm container with you to the area that you're going to fish? This is fine as long as you don't move around much. If you move around or wade (like me) carrying a container of worms is a pain in the butt! So I began using a bait bag, and would suggest that you do the same. It's really convenient. You can make one yourself or buy one, it makes no difference. The important thing is that you begin using a bait bag to carry your worms. The live worms are simply transferred into the bait bag, and then they are right there at your fingertips ready to be used as bait.

Now, how do you fish with live worms? Do you simply "thread" a worm onto your hook and call that worm fishing? If this is what you do to fish with worms, it's a mistake. That's how a ten year old fishes with live worms. The way to fish with live worms is through the use of a set of gang hooks. A set of gang hooks is simply two small hooks tied in tandem, thus enabling you to present the worm in a completely natural manner. You see, when a live worm is used as bait, it should look as if it were just thrown into the water. If you just threw a live worm into the water, what would it look like?

By employing a set of gang hooks, the live worm looks just like it would if you simply threw said worm into the water. This natural presentation is extremely effective, especially in the moving water of rivers and streams. If you like wading and fishing in rivers and streams, for fish like smallmouth bass, walleye, or trout, you need to begin using gang hooks. They are fairly simple to tie yourself or you can buy them, it make no difference, the point is that gang hooks should be used.

If you fish with live worms, these two tips will make you a much more effective and efficient angler. Remember what Steven Wright said about us anglers, "There's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore looking like an idiot." I couldn't agree more, and just want to help everyone avoid the 'looking like an idiot' part of the equation.

The proper fishing gear for what you're fishing for can either make or break your fishing trip. Before going shopping for fishing rods and fishing tackle, a little research can help you decide on what equipment is best for you. With all of the varieties on the market, there is sure to be something to fit your needs. Whether you are a beginner or a skilled fisherman, you can find the proper gear when you go fishing for your favorite fish.

If you're looking for a great bargain on fishing gear, try to do some fishing for gear and tackle that is out of season or overstocked. Stores will be willing to sell this gear for a discount rather than having to store it until the next season. You might want to spend a few extra dollars though, and get better quality fishing gear. You usually get what you pay for, so spending extra money usually means getting better quality. There is a certain amount of skill that you can use no matter what quality your equipment is though.

A good fisherman knows that one of the most important decisions of the day is what type of gear to use. Each situation presented to you as a fisherman calls for a unique set of equipment. Using a heavy setup on a smaller fish like a trout is silly, and is in fact counterproductive. Then it makes sense that a light setup of gear is best used on smaller fish, especially those that you have to set the hook yourself. The light weight and flexibility of a smaller rod will help you set the line quickly and react so that you don't miss out on a catch. If you find yourself in a lake with brush or lots of weeds, then you probably need something a little stronger in case your gear gets stuck in the weeds. A strong fish like a bass demands that you use a stronger rod and line, or else you will be out of luck when it comes time to reel in the big one.

Using the right tackle has a huge impact on your results as a fisherman. If you are able to match the right tackle to the type of fish you are searching for, chances are good you will come home with a full string of fresh catch. It is a good idea to build a tackle box with different types of lures and bait, each for a different situation. Water type, temperature, season, and time of day will all effect if a fish is going to bite. Choose tackle that fits the situation best. A good rule of thumb is to closely resemble the fish's natural prey with your tackle. Think about colors too; will a bright lure frighten a fish, or catch its attention? The answer to that question depends on the clarity of the water.

Fishing gear does not stop with the pole, reel, and tackle. Nope, there are many different fishing accessories that can make your trip a success, and likely a lot more fun. A net is often useful for grabbing the fish from the side of the boat after you have reeled it in. Needle nose pliers are also handy for getting those pesky hooks out of the fish's mouth. And don't forget about waders; they are best used along the shore or in a river, giving you a chance to get close to the fish you are trying to catch.

Some fishing gear is best suited for some fishing purposes but other fishing gear is designed for other regions and types of fish. With some careful research, you can find the best fishing gear suited for your purposes. You can also find quality fishing gear that you can use to catch several different types of fish in a variety of regions. Whatever your purposes, you can go fishing for the proper fishing rods and gear to meet your needs.

Many people that keep amateur fish tanks have come to love the cichlid varieties of fish. They are noted for their huge variety that display interesting and complex behaviors that are fascinating to watch. They are also noted for their beautiful markings and colors. One such species is the ever popular discus fish. This article will describe the typical nature of the discus fish and the ideal conditions and habitat for a discus fish tank.

Discus fish hail from the black water tributaries of the Amazon. The vegetation and substrate in these waters has a high level of humic acid that causes the water to be soft or have an acidic Ph level. The Ph level should be around 5.5 to 6.5 for Discus fish. The water temperatures range from around 26 degrees Celsius to 31 degrees Celsius. The water is generally slow moving.

Discus fish require very good water quality or they are likely to become stressed otherwise. Some people use Reverse Osmosis (R.O) water to get the quality right but as R.O. water is virtually distilled water it is not advised to use it without adding essential minerals and salts that all freshwater fish need. There are supplements that can be added to R.O. Water that will do this. Water should be changed regularly too.

The typical habitat of Discus fish is gentle water movement, a variety of plants and a diverse aqua scape of rocks, caves and bogwood. They prefer to live in a large tank.

Discus fish are generally placid fish but become very protective during breeding and nurturing of fry. It is sometimes a good idea to remove other fish during this time or partition them off.

They will eat most things from flake to live foods.

Discuss fish are some of the most beautiful cichlids you can keep however it can be a challenge to maintain the water quality to their liking. Soft water is often more difficult to maintain than hard water and discus fish are quite sensitive to this. This puts more responsibility on you to know how to maintain the fish tank and keep a regular schedule of maintenance.

Aquarium gravel can play an important role in maintaining the habitat that is your fish tank. It can be used as part of the filtration system, as a nutrient rich substrate for plants or to change the properties in the water. In most cases however it is there purely for decorative reasons. People like to see a gravel bottom because it makes the tank look better and often offsets the colors of the fish. It also provides the fish with more things to do which makes better viewing for the Aquarist and his/her friends.

The type of gravel you want in your fish tank is also determined by the type of animal and plant life that you want in your tank. If you are looking for gravel for soft water this is generally because you have fish that are suited to soft water. Common fish include South American Cichlids like Discus and Angel fish. You may also want to have plants in you tank to recreate the natural environment of these fish. Then the gravel must be rich in nutrients and be firm enough to allow roots to take hold.

The gravel commonly used for this purpose is titled lime free gravel. Lime or calcium carbonate is the principle component that causes hard water. If you were to put gravel that was composed of calcium carbonate in then the water it would turn the water alkaline over time and could cause stress or ill health to your fish.

Lime free gravel is usually quartz or man made. Quartz gravel is ideal for plants as it collects nutrients and allows roots to take hold. You can also layer the substrate so that the base is lime free material and the top levels are more nutrient rich to encourage plant growth. Another consideration if you have bottom dwelling fish is to have smooth edged gravel so that the fish don't get damaged.

I consider fishing my number one expertise. In these articles I plan to share my knowledge with you and everyone out there. Some may choose to use it and some may not. Either way I hope you enjoy them and tell others about them.

For almost all their lives the large mouth will hang out in water from 5 to 15 feet deep. On occasion they will go deeper to find food or to get out of the sun. Almost always when bass are in the shallows you will find them by some sort of cover. Largemouth are very abundant in natural and man made lakes.

Natural Lakes

-Because shallow bays tend to warm faster in the spring time that is where the bass will move to. They move in there for feeding and eventually spawning.

-In the summertime the edge of weed lines is a great place to find the large mouth hiding out from the hot sunny day.

-Bays that we refer to as slop bays in the summertime will hold plenty of fish under neath the weeds. These areas are great for fisherman and great for the large mouth to find food.

-Humps in the lakes with weeds on the bottom are great places for summertime bass. The weeds and rocks offer shade that the fish can move into.

-Points and inside turns along break lines hold bass in the summer through winter. Gradually sloping structure is best in the summertime while sharp slopes are great in late fall and winter.

-The shallow flats in the late fall attract a lot of bass because they stay the warmest while the water in the lakes are starting to cool off.

Man-Made Lakes

-Old river channels tend to concentrate bass in the summer and winter. The fish move up to feed and then rest in the close by deeper water.

-Bends in river channels will hold more bass in summer than straight parts. Because the water stays warmer in the river channel it will hold large numbers of bass in the winter.

-Back ends of shallow creeks, especially with no flow have the warmest water in the springtime. Thus they draw bass in to feed and spawn.

-Submerged road beds, railroad grades, old buildings are all man made features that are important to bass and important that the fishermen know where they are.

-In the summertime you want to look for humps that are covered in weeds or fallen timbers. This is especially important if they are located near the main river channel.

-Along a creek channel or river channel with timbered flats are great areas for fishing from spring to fall. The one important factor to look at here is whether or not the fish have east access to deeper water.

In this bustling crazy world of technology we don't always have lots to look forward to except the same old thing day in and day out. Fishing is the one great way that I use to escape all realities out there.

I just want everyone to remember that a bad day fishing is always better than a good day at work.

Dale Mazurek

Anyone who has spent any time fishing knows that the state of Alaska is not only know as "the last frontier", it's also an incredible fishing destination. The state could easily be called "the last fishing frontier", and I don't think anyone would complain. Although Alaska is a difficult and fairly expensive place to travel to, the fishing is absolutely world class. Some of the best salmon runs in the world happen in Alaska, and the chance of a bear encounter while fishing is never out of the question in the great state of Alaska.

Did you know that Alaska is twice the size of Texas and has fewer roads than Delaware? How's that for a trivia question or two? The point is that it's true and with this much 'untouched' land, it leaves a ton of fishing opportunities. From Southeast Alaska, to the world famous Kenai River on the Cook Inlet, and into Alaska's interior - Alaska offers some of the best fishing in the world. Enjoy fighting to land monster halibut or a king salmon, or try your hand at fly-fishing for rainbow trout on a secluded Alaska stream. You can fish Alaska from an ocean charter boat, take to a river by jet or drift boat, or fly in by bush plane to a remote Alaska lake or stream. The possibilities are almost endless when it comes to fishing in the state of Alaska.

Salmon and Halibut are two of the most popular fish to try to catch in the great state of Alaska, but are by no means the only species of fish that are fished for. If you are a trophy hunter, Alaska is the place for you. King Salmon can easily exceed 50 pounds and Halibut are not only enormous, but delicious as well. Halibut easily reach weights of well over 150 pounds! Halibut are world renowned for their "steak like" meat, and are a true delicacy.

When fishing for Alaska's salmon, you may have to compete with the bears. Salmon are not only sought after by people, but in Alaska bears need to catch them as well. The difference is bears need salmon for survival and humans' just think they do. The point is that when wade fishing on rivers and streams in Alaska, bear spray should be carried. Better safe than sorry, right?

There are distinct regions within Alaska, with rules for each. Once you decide on which region you intend on fishing, simply check the regulations for that area. If you're going on a fishing vacation, your outfitter will obviously help with this. Having an outfitter when visiting places such as Alaska is never a bad idea, in fact it's a very good idea. Luckily in this day and age a simple search on the internet will yield more Alaska guides and outfitters than you can shake a stick at, literally! The bottom line is that if you're looking for a true fishing adventure and some huge fish, Alaska is the place for you.

California is the most populous state in the United States of America, but there is still plenty of room to fish. California is broken up into six distinct regions, all with various fishing regulations. California boasts 1,100 miles of ocean coastline, 220,000 square miles of ocean waters, 4,172 lakes and reservoirs, 29,664 miles of streams and rivers, and 1,800 miles of bay and delta waters, California has more fishing opportunities than any other state in the country. With that amount of water available to fish in, California is an anglers dream.

If you're interested in deep sea fishing, ocean wade fishing, river and stream fishing, or lake fishing for Largemouth Bass, California can accommodate you. California has almost every species of game fish available to the avid angler. From crappie to sturgeon and every freshwater fish in between, California has them. And saltwater fish from mackerel to great white sharks can all be found off of the California coast as well.

As far as freshwater fishing goes, one of the best methods for fishing live bait is a set of gang hooks. A set of gang hooks is simply two small hooks tied in tandem. Small hooks work well, because they are then concealed with in bait quite nicely. In fact, gang hooks are the best way to present a live worm, as well as many other live types of live bait. The biggest strong point is that gang hooks enable the angler to present the bait naturally, rather than trying to thread the worm onto a larger single hook. If you're bait fishing in California, you may want to give gang hooks a shot,

Remember, a California fishing license is required to fish in the state of California. A fishing license will run you from $37.50 for a resident to $100 for a non resident. If you're traveling, a two day license is available for less than $20. And if you happen to be going after Steelhead on inland waters in California, you need a Steelhead report card, which is under $10. As you can see, fishing in California isn't at all an expensive proposition (especially for residents). If you plan on staying in California for the rest of your life, there is even lifetime fishing licenses available, which is really good idea.

The bottom line is if your like to fish, California is an anglers paradise. Any type of fishing that you can imagine is available within the state of California. And with its thousands of miles of coastline, there are good runs of both salmon and steelhead as well. Many states within the United States don't offer fishing for these wonderful fish simply because of their proximity to large bodies of water. Yep, as far as the sport of fishing goes, California is a hard state to beat.

Owning tropical fish can provide you with immense enjoyment and can become a wonderful hobby that not only you but other will benefit from also.

Although most tropical fish can be relatively easy to care for it is important to educate yourself before buying tropical fish because without proper understanding of their needs your new hobby could become extremely expensive.

You will need to know and research how to set up an aquarium, understand the size you will need for the amount of fish you are hoping to keep. Also be aware of the sizes your fish will grow to as most tropical fish are not purchased at adult size.

By reading books and looking on the internet you will be able to find out what temperature the water in your aquarium needs to be and will know how to test the ph levels, water hardness and for any toxins.

Be aware of diseases, one of the most common tropical fish diseases is white spot, this is caused by a parasite called 'ick' or 'ich' you will know if this has affected you tropical fish as you will notice white spots on the fishes scales. White spot is a very irritating disease for tropical fish, if you notice your fish rubbing themselves against objects or plants this could be a sign of infection.

It is important to treat white spot immediately. It can kill tropical fish within a few days and will be spread to others in the tank. If one of your fish has been affected you will need to treat the entire tank.

It is important to clean your fish tank and all the stones and plants that are in it, you will need to change the water checking the ph levels as you do so.

To prevent white spot from affecting your fish you should always quarantine new fish for approximately 2 days. Maintain a high water quality and always provide your fish with a balanced diet.

You should never over feed your tropical fish, this can pollute the water and also harm you fish. Provide enough food for them to survive and grow healthily. You may find that different fish will eat different food so it is worth researching this aspect. Some fish are scavengers and are happy to feed off scraps and debris from the tank others will need a specific type of food.

If you are beginner it may be tempting to rush out and buy the best tank you can see and add all the colourful fish you can find however, without being armed with the right information and the correct knowledge about owning tropical fish your efforts could result in disaster.

Your local pet shop owner or aquarium shops will be happy to talk to you about any information or concerns you have about setting up and keeping an aquarium. By knowing all the facts you will be able to purchase an aquarium and tropical fish that will be an enjoyment and pleasure to keep.

Owning an aquarium is one of the most wonderful things that you can do. When you watch the glint of beautifully coloured fish swimming around, it is both relaxing and re-assuring that you have chosen the right hobby. And this is especially true, when you are dealing with tropical fish, which can be some of the most beautiful, you will ever see. Of course, owning an aquarium isn't just about looking at beauty. As both you and I know. There's also a lot of work involved in it. And one of the most expensive aspects of the hobby is buying an aquarium tank. Unfortunately, discount aquarium tanks do not grow on trees! So if you are going to find a good bargain on one then you will need to shop around extensively. In this article I'm going to discuss various aspects of owning aquarium fish, and some thoughts about researching fish tanks.

The first thing that you need to decide is how big you want to go with your aquarium. Or, more accurately, where you want to stop! Because literally you can go from a goldfish bowl right up to a massive 400 gallon plus salt water tank. And which one you go for will be dependent on several factors. Firstly, how big is your budget? If you only have 20 bucks to spend, then your choice has already been made! Get the goldfish bowl, start out small and grow from there. But more likely, if you're reading this article, then you have already been involved in owning fish for probably quite some time, and so are considering the next step up. You may already own a small aquarium, are looking to upgrade to a larger one, or perhaps you are looking to change styles of fish, or try out more exotic fish, that require a different care environment or a larger tank.

A key ingredient to consider is that the larger the tank, the more work you will have to do. You will have to measure the water pH, sort out water filters, check that the fish that you wish to put in the tank are compatible with one another, and check to make sure that none of the fish have any existing diseases or problems. There are also dietary concerns, both in terms of what you feed the fish, and also that the fish do not feed on each other!

The main place to start if you are looking to buy a discount aquarium is the pet shop. You will often find that many pet shop owners also have a great deal of interest in fish breeding. This is because fish tend to take up very little space in a shop, but can also be sold for large amounts of money, so many small pet shops, are able to stock large amounts of fish, and the owners will often be very knowledgeable. Make sure that you pick their brains about the best places to buy tanks, and what you should be looking for. It is in their interest to help you, because you will need to put fish in those tanks!

Other places to look are in the public library, where you will be able to research for the differences between the different fish breeds, and the type of tank and aquarium setup that you require. You will also find that many of the books in the library will have illustrated guides as to these, as well as guidelines as to any extra equipment you may need such as oxygenation filters, decoration etc.

For more information about aquariums, fish tanks and fish keeping visit any of the links below. And, most importantly, enjoy your fish.

Purchasing a fish aquarium may seem like an easy task however tropical and saltwater fish need special care and attention to live a happy life. The first thing you will need to decide is whether you plan on keeping fresh water fish or saltwater fish. Generally speaking freshwater fish are a lot easier to keep so if this is your first fish aquarium I would advise a fresh water fish aquarium would be a good place to start.

You will need to make sure you do not add too much food to your fish aquarium, research the type of fish you are keeping before throwing in too much or too little food, adding too much food could be harmful to your tropical fish as they can over eat, also adding to much food could potentially pollute the tank.

Having a balanced diet is essential for aquarium fish, I would recommend that you buy any fish food in small bags or containers rather than bulk buying, this is because over time the vitamin content will gradually decline so to keep your fish food in optimum condition and as fresh as possible buy smaller bags and keep them in a cool dry place.

Anything that is introduced into your fish aquarium should be properly taken care of and monitored, it is important to keep the water in the tank clean by checking for parasites, fungi and bacteria. Although maintaining a fish aquarium is an ongoing task certain fish can lighten the load, it is well worth investing in fish that scavenge as they will clean the tank for you however it is vital to research the type of fish you buy to ascertain if they can live peacefully with the other fish residing within your tank.

It may be a good idea to create yourself a daily monthly and weekly 'to do' list so you can be sure that you have made all the necessary checks on the temperature control, lighting and feeding. Toxic and harmful products can be caused by the breakdown of protein, investing in a protein skimmer can be extremely effective.
A protein skimmer will remove impurities and residue from the aquarium and will purify the water.

Never keep your tank in direct sunlight, this will increase the growth of green algae making your tank unattractive and hard to see into. Having a fish tank in direct sunlight will also cause the water temperature to rise making it harder to control

The bigger the fish aquarium the easier it ill be to maintain a stable water temperature, having a larger tank will also give your fish more room to move, it is also very important to give them lots of places to hide, believe it or not the more places they have to hide the less they will hide.

If you can keep on top of the maintenance then you are sure to have a clean and happy tank.

Gold fish are usually a child's first pet and if you're thinking of keeping a gold fish tank, there are a few basic things you need to know. By understanding how to keep your gold fish tank in tip top condition will ensure you have happy fish.

The first thing to decide is how many fish you wish to have. If you only want a couple of small fish then a small gold fish tank or even a gold fish bowl is all you will need but if you require lots of fish or larger fish then you will need a large gold fish tank to ensure the fish remain healthy. A tank which holds 30 gallons of water will house up to 6 average gold fish. Gold fish tanks come in various sizes and can be made from either acrylic or glass.

To make the gold fish tank a nice place for the fish to live plants, rocks and other items can be purchased to place at the bottom of your gold fish tank for the fish to enjoy. All accessories, including the rocks, should be washed in water before they are placed into the tank. You will need to test the water when you first put it in the tank and you'll have to purchase a test kit to make sure the oxygen, nitrate and other chemical balances are in line.

Most gold fish tanks come with the filters and because gold fish can survive in water temperatures from 78 degrees to very cold waters, a heater is not needed and regular room temperature will do just fine for the water in your gold fish tank.

What Fish are best for Your Gold Fish Tank

When choosing a gold fish for your gold fish tank you need to ensure the fish you buy are healthy. Check the fins are upright and not droopy as fins which are down are a sign of a stressed fish. Another thing to look for is fish with foggy eyes, discoloration or other similar abnormalities. Gold fish are not just gold, and come in many sizes, shapes and colors. Most gold fish will grow up to 5 to 8 inches in length. Gold Fish tanks are an ideal starter pet in teaching your children how to look after their pets properly. The fish in your new gold fish tank if looked after correctly will provide hours of fun and is also proven to be a relaxing hobby.

Danios fish are an excellent choice for most aquariums due to their high energy level and mild temperament and are particularly recommended for first-time aquarium owners. These hardy fish will offer hours of enjoyment and are easy to care for as well.

There are several varieties of the Danios fish, one of the most commonly known being the Zebra Danio which is easily recognized by its distinct horizontal stripes. This particular Danio will grow to be about 1.5 inches in length and is also suitable for community tanks because of its peaceful nature. The Gold, Pearl and Leopard types of Danios will also grow to a maximum size of 1.5 inches, but Giant Danios however, can grow to about five inches or so in length.

Danios will be most comfortable with at least a school of four to six of their own species. These fish have a variety of suitable tank mates to choose from such as Rainbows, Barbs and most types of Gouramis, provided they are smaller than the Danios are. Danios will also do well with a school of Clown or Yoyo Loaches and some varieties of Catfish such as the Corydoras or the Plecostomus Catfish.

Even-tempered Danios are often used in aquariums to distract other, more aggressive fish from fighting with one another. Betta fish, for example, are notorious fighters, flaring their gills and charging at each other aggressively. Until a busy school of Danios swims by and distracts the Betta, ultimately keeping the peace in the tank.

Danios fish have a lifespan of about five years under proper conditions and are quite simple to care for, making them ideal for beginners and children. Technically considered cold-water fish, Danios will adapt to most water conditions but they do prefer cooler temperatures usually between 64 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit or so.

Danios should also be provided with plenty of light and lots of room to swim about freely. These active fish should do well in a ten-gallon aquarium that is kept at a PH level between 6.5 and 7.0, about a ¼ inch of gravel and with an exterior power filter. Of course, if you have several other types of fish in your aquarium you'll want to choose a larger size and also a more powerful filter.

Floating flake-food and freeze-dried blood worms, or mosquito larvae, are the preferred diet of choice for Danios. Both of these can be found in fish or pet stores as well as live black worms and live or frozen brine shrimp, which are two of their other favorite treats.

As with any type of fish or aquarium life, you should be aware of the signs of stress or disease and know how to treat the illnesses as well. Fish should never be overfed and their tank water should be changed as needed, also making sure the filter system is working properly at all times. With just a little regular care, you'll be able to enjoy watching your Danios swim and interact with each other for years to come.

There are many anglers out there that fish with live bait, including myself. There are some tips and techniques that can help the average angler use live bait more effectively. I'm going to discuss those tips and techniques which will help you become a much more successful live bait angler. Live bait obviously includes bait that is living. The category of live bait includes, but is not limited to, minnows, crickets, grasshoppers, leeches, hellgrammites, maggots, grubs, and of course worms. Let's discuss some of the tips and techniques for fishing with live bait:

-Fishes Sense of Smell - Many people don't realize how sensitive a fishes sense of smell is. If you have engaged in an activity (such as smoking) that makes your hands smell, it will affect your catch. Use a hand sanitizer or at least grab a handful of grass and rubs it in your hands to remove any unnatural smells. This may sound strange, but it's true. I always grab handfuls of grass or dirt periodically during my fishing trips and rub my hands. This helps remove all of those unnatural smells.

-Natural Presentation - When fishing with live bait, natural presentation is a key. You want your bait to look as natural as possible in the water. A set of gang hooks is perfect for helping to present bait as naturally as possible. The bottom line is that if the live bait doesn't look like what the fish is used to eating, it will affect your catch; it's as simple as that.

-Carrying Live Bait - There are many ways to carry live bait and with baits such as minnows, leeches, and other water dwelling live bait a minnow bucket is your best bet. If you're out fishing for a long period of time you're going to need an aerator or you're going to have to change the water frequently. Remember the "live" part of the bait is the most important part. Dead bait usually isn't nearly as effective. For worms, maggots, and grubs I would suggest a bait bag for carrying your live bait. A bait Bag is much more effective than carrying those bulky Styrofoam containers around.

- Hook Size - While fishing with live bait, you want your hooks to be as small as possible. Remember, we want our bait to look natural. A great way to employ small hooks and still get effective hook sets is again a set of gang hooks. I personally use gang hooks tied with size 10 hooks. For those of you who don't know, size 10 hooks are quite small. The bottom line is that when fishing with live bait you want your hook or hooks to be as small as possible so they are less visible.

Start employing one or all of these tips and you will become a more effective live bait angler. Fishing with live bait is a fun and effective way to fish, and can be taken more seriously than a twelve year old at the Bluegill pond. Just threading a worm onto a hook isn't good enough if you really want to start catching fish.

p>In my estimation, many anglers overlook some very simple things that effect their fish catching ability. Like many things in life, it's often the most obvious things that get overlooked, and in most cases these obvious things have a very big impact on our lives, and for the purposes of this article, our fishing. These 5 techniques are going to be focused on the river or stream angler who spends much oh their time wading in the water, trying to catch fish. So if you're a Largemouth Bass angler who fishes from a $20,000 bass boat, these tips probably won't mean much to you. In any case, here are the tips and you can do with them what you will:

1) Size Matters - The size of your line matters. In river and stream situations fish are usually much more wary than in a muddy lake with a lot of boat traffic. In most cases the water is very clear as well. This means that the fish are much more likely to see your line. I personally use four pound test, which is all but invisible to the fish. I've had the direct experience of using six pound test and getting no bites. Then switching to four pound test and catching fish one after another.

2) Your Clothes Matter - The color of your clothing matters. You wan t to avoid wearing loud colors that will make it easier for the fish to see you. Remember, if the fish can see you, they normally won't bite (especially in clear water mountain rivers). Wear darker more drab colors if at all possible.

3) Avoid Loud Noises - I know, as anglers we are all aware of the "be quiet" rule while fishing, but it's even more pronounced on river and stream situations. Especially on rivers and streams that don't receive much fishing pressure. The biggest thing to avoid as far as noise goes on rivers and streams are rocks banging together underwater. Remember this while wading from here to there.

4) Present Bait Naturally - You want to present your bait as naturally as possible. You want your bait to look like it would without hooks in it. The best way I know to accomplish this is by using gang hooks. The bottom line is for your bait to look as natural as possible.

5) Clean Your Hands - Fish have a very sensitive sense of smell and can smell your scent on your bait. This is a big reason people use "attractors" on their baits. I don't think these things attract fish as much as they cover the scent of humans! Using a hand sanitizer is a good idea or just grabbing a handful of grass and rubbing it in your hands has always worked well for me.

Start employing any or all of these five techniques and you will start catching more fish; it's as simple as that. Catching fish doesn't have to be difficult, especially if we're reminded of the basics from time to time. Remember what Steven Wright said, "There's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot."