The Billfish Foundation (TBF) has done a lot to promote billfish conservation and has been instrumental in shifting past catch-and-kill practises to Tag & Release in most parts of the world. We fully support TBF and Tag & release all billfish from our game boats, the only exceptions being a fish that is clearly a National or World record.

TBF have noticed an increasing tendency nowadays for some anglers to lift a billfish (particularly sailfish) out of the water to photograph the angler with his catch.

If you choose to Tag & Release, there are four very good reasons not to lift your billfish out of the water:

1. To state the obvious – Fish can't breathe out of the water and a billfish brought to the transom will almost certainly be, at the very least, 'out of breath'. If you lift the fish out of the water, you are starving the fish of oxygen just when it needs it most. Imagine running up a flight of stairs and then trying to hold your breath when you get to the top.

2. Fish have a protective coat of slime on their bodies that helps them fight infection and parasites. In hauling out a large fish and handling (even with gloves), you will inevitably damage or remove some of this coating.

3. The billfish's skeleton is designed to support the fish in water – not in air. If you haul a sailfish over the transom and try to hold it up, you are probably causing internal damage which may later kill the fish.

4. A thrashing billfish in the cockpit? Are you nuts? It's just going to injure itself and maybe you too! If the fish is so exhausted that it can't kick, lifting it out of the water and starving it of oxygen is likely to be the last straw.

We have, in the past removed a couple of sailfish from the water for photographs. We don't do it any more. Nowadays, we photograph all billfish in the water after the fish has been tagged and the hook removed. Photos are a wonderful reminder of past memories for our guests and even more so to see their catch gently swimming behind the boat before release. We recommend you consider following the advice of The Billfish Foundation not to remove your catch from the water.

The whole point of Tag & Release is to gather scientific information for future conservation purposes and to release the fish unharmed. If you haul a billfish out of the water, you are damaging and possibly killing the very thing you are trying to conserve and protect.

Not much sense in that is there?

Many anglers enjoy fishing for trout. When I say 'fishing for trout', I'm referring to fishing for the four main species of trout: brook, brown, cutthroat, and rainbow. Many anglers, including myself, spend a lot of time in rivers and streams chasing these beautiful fish. If you've never had the pleasure of experiencing catching an 18+ inch trout in the flowing waters of a river or stream using ultra light fishing gear, put it on the top of your "to do" list. It's easily one of the most enjoyable things that you can do with your clothes on!

There are a few tips that will enable you to catch more trout when you're out fishing, and I'll explain a few of those tips in this article. The first tip as far as trout fishing is concerned is to use gang hooks for your bait presentation, rather that a single hook. Gang hooks are simply a pair of hooks tied in tandem, which enable you to present live bait (especially worms), in a completely natural manner. And if you're a synthetic trout bait angler, gang hooks enable you to present twice as much bait!

If you fish for trout and don't use retractors, you should. A great tip for trout fishing is to have as much equipment as you can right at your fingertips. This is what retractors are great for…keeping your lightweight fishing equipment such as hemostats and nail clippers at your fingertips for easy access. The less time that you spend digging through your pockets, the more trout you will catch. Time spent digging through your pockets is time you could have been spending fishing for trout. A great tip for fishing for trout is to employ a retractor or two.

Trout can be a very finicky species of fish, so the more naturally bait smells the better. I don't know if you realize it or not, but the scents on our hands transfer to whatever bait we're using. How many trout do you think you will catch if your bait smells like a cigarette? Well, if you smoke, your bait smells like a cigarette! A good practice is to grab a handful of grass or dirt and rub it into your hands before baiting up. Even if you don't think you have any foreign smells on your hands, better safe than sorry, right?

When fishing for trout, these simple tips will help you catch more fish, there's no doubt about it. Remember what Steven Wright said of us anglers (no matter what kind of fish we attempt to catch), "There's a fine line between fishing and standing on the shore looking like an idiot." Our goal should be to avoid standing on the shore, looking like an idiot as much as possible. Because there's no question about the fact that quote is true. I know I've spent my share of time standing on the shore looking like something, and that something could well have been an idiot.

Angling can take on many different forms and can be as simple as catching perch with a cane pole, as complex as flyfishing, or high pressure like tournament bass fishing. However, each type of fishing requires different fishing gear.

Angling equipment depends on the type of fish you want to catch and where you'll be fishing. For ponds or small lakes, an ultralight to medium weight pole is just fine. Keep in mind what size of fish you can expect to catch, as bigger lakes may have bigger fish, requiring sturdy poles.

Catfish, walleye, lake trout, and bass may need a heavier weight rod. Heavier fishing gear provides more control when you're trying to reel in your catch. Also, angling with heavier rods and reels allows you to use bigger lures with more weight, making it easier to cast farther.

Likewise, the type of fishing boat you have has a big impact on your fishing experience. For the most part, recreational boats like ski boats, speed boats, and pontoons don't make a good fishing boat. Many of them are too large and cannot be safely maneuvered around structures to allow successful angling.

If you are fishing a lake or other large body of water, especially if there are many waves or rough water, a fishing boat whose bottom has a V shape will usually fare better than a flat bottomed boat. In V bottom boats the V shape helps to stabilize the boat against waves when fishing and it cuts through waves when moving between fishing spots.

The weakness of a V bottom boat is that it cannot go into shallow water. This is usually not a problem on many lakes, but it makes taking a V bottom boat on many rivers somewhat risky. A flat bottom boat, on the other hand, if the motor is fitted with a 'jet' instead of a prop, can make it through water only a few inches deep.

No matter what type of fishing gear you kit yourself out with or how much money you sink into a fishing boat, you won't find the perfect equipment to catch fish. Of course, trying to use the most appropriate gear for a great catch while you're out angling is the best thing to do.

Just keep in mind the type of fish you're trying to catch and which area you'll be angling in. Also, try not to be too specific in your equipment. Many fishing boats are built for angling only in certain conditions, which leaves you high and dry the rest of the time.

Unfortunately for anglers, acquiring all the fishing gear you need can begin to get expensive, but there are several things you can do to make finding and purchasing fishing gear more affordable.

One way to get cheaper fishing gear and tackle is to track down what you need on ebay. Ebay fishing gear can provide an affordable alternative to buying everything new from the store or catalog. In many cases, the fishing gear you find in the ebay fishing section may be new, still in the package, or barely used. The fishing gear on ebay may be posted by consumers who have no need for the merchandise any longer, or maybe they didn't have the luck they hoped for. In other situations, wholesalers and retailers will post overstocked or out of season merchandise to recuperate some of their costs and keep from carrying that inventory for a year.

Of course the standard ebay practices and safe guards still stand with ebay fishing merchandise. Seller ratings are important and one must always be wary when doing business over the internet. However, the possibility exists that the expensive, almost new rod and reel combo listed for a bargain price is in perfect condition, could be a piece of junk considering what it costs. The only way to know is to physically find one and examine the quality or to get in contact with someone who has used this pole.

One of the best outlets for finding out the quality of fishing gear is to seek out a fishing forum online. A fishing forum may have a section for product reviews and ratings, or you can start a new thread and ask if anyone has used or heard about the product you're considering. You may discover from fellow anglers on a fishing forum that the heavily discounted item you have your eyes on is a dud and should be avoided.

Fishing forums are also a great way to track down good deals on fishing gear. Usually anglers are quick to tell when they got a good deal and don't mind passing that information along to others. However, just because someone says a product is the best they've used doesn't mean that it's necessarily top shelf quality.

Many times stores will create bargain bins full of slow moving, or out of season products. After a certain point, companies try to dump their inventory to make room on the shelves for better selling, more profitable products. When this happens, you can get some fairly aggressive deals. However, if you take advantage of these offers, you might end up buying some fishing gear that you won't be able to use for six months. For many anglers, the wait is worth it considering the price these items typically have.

There are good deals out there all the time for anglers but, like the fish, they usually won't fall in your lap. You have to be on the lookout and find the deals before they're gone.

This might sound like a simple proposition; after all you can just carry the container you buy the worms in with you while fishing, right? Of course you can, but my point to this article is that there is a much more effective and efficient way of doing it. As a matter of fact, transporting live worms while fishing doesn't have to involve the container they are purchased in at all (other than for storage). With a very simple yet effective solution, you can have your live worms right at your fingertips at all times.

This very simple yet extremely effective solution is a called a bat bag. A bait bag simply hangs off of your fishing vest, shirt, or belt and carries your worms while you are fishing. The process works like this: You buy your live worms, just like you normally would. When you get to your fishing area, you simply pull the worms out of the container that you purchased them in and place them into the bait bag. The worms simply "ball" up and wait to be used. They don't crawl out or anything! If it's hot outside, simply dip the bait bag into the water, to cool the worms off. This keeps them fresh and lively. Not only is a bait bag the best way to transport live worms while fishing, it also eliminates the need to take the bulky container on the water with you, thus eliminating the possibility that the container gets left behind.

A bait bag will change the way you fish with worms. It makes live worms so much easier to fish with you won't believe it. So how do you get a hold of one of these bait bags? Simple, you can make one yourself or you can purchase a bait bag, the choice is yours. What's important is that you begin using one sooner rather than later. Another cool aspect to using a bait bag, is that when your done fishing, you simply return the unused worms to the container that you bought them in until the next time you go fishing. If you're like me, there are a couple of containers partially full of worms in my fridge thanks to the fact that I use a bait bag. The money a bait bag saves you in not wasting worms is worth any price that you pay for it, whether that price is in money or time.

Is there anything more enjoyable on this entire planet than fishing with light tackle? For me, fishing with light tackle is as much fun as can be had while clothed! I'm telling you if you've never experienced the thrill of catching an 18 inch Rainbow Trout on 4-pound test, while standing in the current of a flowing stream, you need to put it on you "things to do" list! Light tackle fishing makes the great sport of fishing that much more enjoyable. As a matter of fact, once you become proficient at light tackle fishing, fishing with what's considered "normal" fishing tackle won't feel right anymore.

In my world, light tackle fishing means using monofilament fishing line that's no larger than six pound test. I personally use four-pound test, but that's neither here not there. Is this 6-pound test thing some sort of rule? No not at all, it's just my preference. What is a rule is that rods and reels should be of the "ultra light" variety. Every fishing rod and reel has an action. For example, heavy, light, or ultra light. For light tackle fishing your rod and accompanying reel should be ultra light action. When purchasing them, just look at the manufacturers descriptions of the products. The description will tell you what the rod or reels action is.

When light tackle fishing, I prefer to use live bait (especially worms) as well. Of course small lures can be employed as well, it's just that I prefer live bait. A very effective technique, that when couple with light tackle becomes extremely effective, is the use of gang hooks. Gang hooks are simply two small hooks tied in tandem. They can be tied yourself or they can be purchased, it makes no difference. What's important is that they are employed when using light tackle and live worms.

The bottom line is that light tackle fishing is not only more enjoyable, it makes you a better angler as well. Using light tackle forces the angler to learn how to play their catch, rather than just "winching" it in. This aspect alone makes light tackle fishing well worth any time, effort, or money that it may cost you to get set up. As I said before, once you become a proficient light tackle angler, you'll find it difficult to fish any other way.

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.

When you hook into a Coho Salmon for the first time, before it gets to the boat, you may think that the fish is much larger than it actually is. While being excellent fighters, they also taste great on the dinner table. Cohos are a Pacific salmon that are stocked in the Great Lakes. Let's look at some factors that will help you catch more and bigger Cohos.

Coho Salmon, as with most salmon, are usually associated with large bodies of water. This generally means you must comb through a lot of water to catch good amounts. For most anglers, this means trolling. Trollers apply a variety of tactics and tools to give them the advantage. Depth finders are a must for locating schools of bait fish and thus, Cohos. Some depth finders will also display the water temperature; a key factor when fishing for any species. However, water temps greatly vary depending on the depth of water you are fishing. In other words, the temp may be much cooler 50 feet down than on the surface. Sensors can be placed on a downrigger cable, which is, of course, in the fish's zone.

Every autumn, you can count on the Cohos to congregate in and around tributaries. Depending on the size of the tributary, this calls for a major change in techniques. Small, stream size tributaries call for gear you can easily cast and drift with. Casting spoons, minnow plugs, and crankbaits are popular lures. Real salmon or trout eggs, as well as artificial, are extremely effective when naturally drifted downstream. Waders are very convenient for reaching otherwise inaccessible spots. For larger tributaries, the same techniques can be employed from either the bank or a boat. Trolling can also be an affective method, usually within the parameters of the tributary mouth.

Until next time, have fun fishing, and remember - unless your line is wet, you ain't gonna catch no fish!

Sincerely,

Nicholas Cudzilo

Many anglers like to catch Smallmouth Bass. Smallmouth bass are a very hearty fish that can be found in a variety of different settings. Smallmouth can be found in all kinds of lakes and ponds as well as rivers and streams of all kinds. Water temperature doesn't affect the Smallmouth Bass like it does other fish so these fish can therefore be found in almost every state in the Union. For this article I'm going to focus on Smallmouth Bass fishing in moving water, such as rivers and streams.

In case you didn't realize it, Smallmouth bass can be caught in much the same manner that trout can be caught. As a matter of fact, the two species can be found in the same rivers in many instances. One of my favorite activities is to wade fish for smallmouth bass using ultra light fishing gear. Ultra light fishing gear meaning and ultra light rod and reel equipped with four pound test fishing line. When you hook into a 3 pound smallmouth and that fish has the current to use to its advantage with gear like this, let me tell you something…it's as much fun as you can have with your clothes on!

So, what's the bet way to catch Smallmouth Bass in river situations? All of the normal techniques such as throwing spoons and spinners will work, as well as using minnow plugs such as rapalas. But the most effective technique that I've ever come across is using live bait rigged on a set of gang hooks. What are gang hooks? Gang hooks are simply a pair of small hooks tied in tandem.

Rigging a live worm is the most popular technique, and can be deadly for smallmouth bass when fished properly. To rig a live worm on a set of gang hooks is really quite simple. You simply take your line and tie a small barrel swivel onto it. Then tie the set of gang hooks to the other end of the swivel. Now add split shot sinkers to the line "above" the barrel swivel as needed. Rig the worm onto the gang hooks and you're good to go. The goal is to have the live worm bounce off the bottom as it tumbles naturally downstream. If you use this simple rig where Smallmouth Bass are present, watch out!

Smallmouth Bass are universally known as one of the hardest fighting fish, pound for pound, that swims in freshwater. If you have any experience with these fish, you know this to be true. Catching Smallmouth Bass in moving water is a ton of fun, and as I said, when these fish are coupled with gang hooks and ultra light gear, it's easily as much fun as can be found while clothed. Get out there and give it a try, you'll sure be glad you did.

Anyone who spends any length of time wading know that breathable fishing waders are the way to go. If you've never tried them, you should. In my opinion, breathable fishing waders are the most comfortable and functional kind of waders. Breathable waders represent the pinnacle of wader design and function. For the discriminating angler who wants the very best in wading technology, breathable waders are the way to go.

Breathable waders aren't normally much more expensive than neoprene wader, so given the choice I would go with breathable waders. If most of your wading is done in cold water, then maybe you should save the money. Neoprene waders tend to be much warmer than breathable waders, so if you're always in cold water, go with neoprene. The cool thing about breathable waders is that you can layer clothes underneath them when you're fishing in cold situations. That way they can be quite warm as well.

Breathable fishing waders come in one of two ways. With a stocking foot or boot foot. Again, this is a judgment call and completely up to personal preference. Stocking foot breathable waders have a neoprene sock sewn into them. Once you put them on, you then have to put on a wading boot. Boot foot breathable waders are just what the name suggests. Boot foot waders are the same thing, except they have a boot built into them. In other words, when you put boot foot breathable waders on, you're in effect putting your boot on as well. Which type to go with is completely up to you? If you do a lot of walking and wading while fishing, I would suggest Stocking foot waders and wading boots. If you don't move around a whole lot while fishing, go with the boot foot. Again, this is all personal preference. There is no right and no wrong answer.

The bottom line is that when it comes to fishing waders, for my money there is no better choice than breathable fishing waders. There are many different manufacturers that make them so which kind is your choice. The point of the matter is that if you spend any amount of time standing in water attempting to catch fish, breathable fishing waders are the way to go.

Fishing with a live worm doesn't have to be simply "threading" said worm onto a large hook and then chunking is out in the water. There are much better and much more effective ways to present a live worm while fishing. Many anglers don't realize this simply because they have never thought about it. After all is just fishing, right how technical do you have to get? You don't necessarily have to get more technical, you just have to use the best ways possible. And as far as fishing with a live worm goes, there are better ways.

The best and most effective is simply employing a set of gang hooks for fishing a live worm. A set of gang hooks allows the worm to be presented outstretched which much more natural than the "worm ball" created by threading a live worm onto a hook. This natural presentation is more effective. It will result in more bites because the worm looks like it does naturally. When is the last time that you think a trout or smallmouth bass saw a "worm ball" floating naturally down your favorite river? They didn't, unless of course there was an 11 year old fishing there last week!

Fishing a live worm is what fishing is all about. The words worms and fishing are almost synonymous. Everyone knows that worms are great bait for fishing. Begin employing gang hooks, and worms become even better. So, what are gang hooks? Gang hooks are simply 2 hooks tied in tandem. Simple enough, right? Gang hooks are very simple, yet very effective. That's why my fishing mentor was a genius! He's the first one that I ever saw using a set of gang hooks to fish with a live worm. As a matter of fact, he taught me how to tie gang hooks. Ever since I started using gang hooks to fish live worms 20 years ago, they are all I use. I simply won't go fishing without gang hooks in my fishing vest.

Gang hooks and a bait bag have literally become staples of my river and stream fishing. I use gang hooks and live worms to catch trout, walleye, and smallmouth bass in rivers and streams all over the country. I also use gang hooks to catch fish such as crappie, because they are also a wonderful way to present minnows. But I digress, this article is about fishing with a live worm, and the point is that fishing with a live worm shouldn't be done without the help of gang hooks. I would like to see the "worm ball" retired forever. Making a "worm ball" is simply not the way to fish a live worm, gang hooks are. To me, the "worm ball" gives fishing a bad name. I think reverend McLain said it best when he said, "Anyone who does not know how to catch a fish should not be able to disgrace that fish by catching it." Amen reverend, amen.

At this time of year, many anglers are reserved to fishing for trout from the bank of their favorite lake. We don't have the luxury of a boat and the rivers and streams are too high and muddy to fish effectively. So fishing from shore for trout is one of our only options, if we want to catch some fish. Luckily this isn't too daunting of a position to be in, especially when fishing for trout from shore usually means fishing for stocked trout.

Given a choice, I'll always fish for native trout rather than stocked trout, but again in the spring of the year there's not a lot of options. So we fish from shore. Although you can throw spinners and lures from shore in search of trout, I've always found still fishing to be much more effective. Still fishing with either live bait or synthetic bait has always been an effective technique for me.

Most anglers know how to rig a still fishing setup, but just for arguments sake, I'm going to spell it out. Begin by grabbing the end of your line and threading the line through an egg sinker. Now tie on a small barrel swivel (the barrel swivel act as a "stopper for the weight as well). The weight should be able to slide on the line freely. Now tie a set of gang hooks onto the other end of the barrel swivel. I suggest using #8 or #10 gang hooks. If you don't have gang hooks, you need to add a small hook to a piece of line and tie that onto the barrel swivel. This is now your still fishing rig. As you can see, it allows the fish to feel no resistance from the weight when biting your bait (this is key).

Simply cast this setup out, let it sink to the bottom, and wait. I usually give the fish 30-45 minutes and check my bait to make sure its still there. Then I re-cast, give it another 30-45 minutes. If I've received no bites in that amount of time, I change baits or move. In this amount of time, if there are fish around, you should receive a bite.

The techniques described above is the most effective way of catching trout from the bank. I always begin with either a live worm or Powerbait as my bait, and always use a set of gang hooks to increase my chances. Get out there and give it a shot, and remember what Steven Wright said of us fishermen, "There's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore looking like an idiot."

One of the most popular type of fish to attempt top catch in the entire United States is the Bass. There are four main species of Bass in this country: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Kentucky Bass, Guadeloupe Bass, and Peacock Bass. In this article, the Smallmouth & Largemouth Bass are going to be focused on simply because they are by far the most popular. Bass fishing has evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry from it's humble beginnings in the late 1800s. The black bass has become the second most specifically sought-after game fish in the United States. The sport has driven the development of all manner of fishing gear, including rods, reels, lines, lures, electronic depth and fish-finding instruments, drift boats, float tubes, and specialized bass boats. The black bass, also known as Largemouth Bass, has even spawned many groups of people who earn their living fishing for them.

Largemouth Bass are found mostly in lakes and large rivers. While the same is true for Smallmouth Bass, smallmouth bass are also found it fast flowing rivers and streams. As a matter of fact in many areas of the country, smallmouth bass can be found in the same waters that trout swim in. Smallmouth can be fished for in the same manner as one does for trout as well. Largemouth bass tend to shy away from the types of currents and small rivers that trout are found in. Bass fishing is an incredibly popular pastime, and in some cases an incredibly lucrative business.

Fishing for bass can be a very expensive proposition, although it surely doesn't have to be. There are literally tens of thousands of techniques, lures, gimmicks, and plastic contraptions used in bass fishing. The options can become quite daunting. At the end of the day all a person needs to catch a bass is a live worm and a set of gang hooks, but with bass fishing, you can get as technical as you would like. As a matter of fact, one of the best ways to catch smallmouth bass is a live worm rigged on a set of gang hooks. Then simply fish that worm through the current of a river, letting it bounce along the bottom.

Some of the most popular bass fishing techniques are: fishing plastic worms, spinner baits, crank baits, large jigs, and even live bait. There are literally too many techniques to list here, but the ones listed are the most popular. The bottom line is that bass fishing is more or less the grand daddy of fishing. Because of tournaments and organizations like B.A.S.S (which stands for: Bass Anglers Sportsman Society) the activity of bass fishing has become incredibly popular, and doesn't look to be slowing down anytime soon. Honestly, when you think about it, how else could someone be convinced to spend $25,000 on a boat that mainly gets used on weekends only? Because what they are using that boat for is so much freakin' fun…Bass Fishing. Most Bass anglers would have a hard time arguing with this fact.

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.

In the northern half of the United States, fishing for walleye is a very popular activity. This is true, I believe, because the walleye can be a very challenging fish to catch, and is also delicious. Walleye is one of the most popular fresh water species for eating. A shore lunch featuring walleye is a very difficult meal to beat, no matter what type of food it may be compared to. When many people think of the term 'walleye' they immediately think of Canada, but the truth is that walleye are found all throughout the northern half of the United States as well.

So where do walleye get their name? Simple. The name 'walleye' comes from the fact that their eyes reflect light, much the way a cats eyes do. This is the result of a light gathering layer within the eye that allows the walleye to see well in low light conditions. Obviously, because Mother Nature gave the walleye this equipment, they are more apt to feed at night. As a matter of fact many anglers attempt to catch walleyes at night, although the cover of darkness is by no means a must for catching walleye. Being able to see well in low light conditions means that on many instances, walleye can be found in deep water, where there is less light.

Seeing as how they are literally designed to see well in low light conditions, these are the best condition to catch these fish. Fishing is generally better on overcast days and when the water is choppy. When the water is very choppy the walleye can see quite well, due the design of their eyes. Here's an interesting little trivia fact for you. Did you know that the walleye is the state fish of Minnesota? If you're lucky that might get you a pie piece in trivial pursuit some day…

Walleye are fished for in a variety of ways. Casting or trolling with spinners or minnow-imitating plugs is always a good bet. Special harness rigs of spinners and beads, with a worm attached are often trolled. Jigs, either traditional bucktails, are a favorite tactic of many anglers, and some even tiop their jig with a live minnow. Another wonderful technique is to find a tributary stream that feeds a lake or river that contains walleye. In the spring and fall, walleye will enter these streams to feed and spawn. Using a gang hook rig baited with a live worm is a great technique for walleye at these times of year. The angler simply bounces the live worm rigged on a set of gang hooks along the bottom as it floats down the stream. The techniques can be deadly.

However a person chooses to fish for walleye the point is that the walleye is an incredbly popular fish to try to catch. Whether it be sport or the dinner table seems to make little difference to the seasoned walleye angler. They simply love the challnge of catching them. The people of Minnestota would obviously agree, seeing as how they made the walleye the staate fish.

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.