Right from the start I have to say that I never really get tired of fishing. I get very tired from fishing but that’s cool, a night’s sleep and I’m ready to get right back at. But for others it’s not that simple, some people just get tired of fishing. I guess they haven’t tried fly fishing also known as fishing on the fly.

I spent the first 25 years of my life fishing whenever I could and never tired of it but once I was introduced to fly fishing I put the spinning gear away for a few years. Yes, fly fishing is that much fun.

My grandfather was an avid fly fisherman for many years before I was ever born but I didn’t get to meet him until I was in my 20s and he was no longer able to get out fishing. He learned it from his father back in the early 1900s, who came over here from England.

Fly fishing just seems to put the fisher in closer contact with the fish being hunted. Not quite the same with a spinning rod. There’s just something about tying some feathers and fur on a hook and throwing it out to a fish using only your fly-rod and fly-line, not heavy lures or weights required.

Match The Hatch

I remember the first time I heard the phrase ‘match the hatch’, it just sounded so cool and made so much sense.

I learned to fly fish in about 10 minutes and was immediately able to catch fish, yet I have been working on my fly fishing technique for the past 25 years and it never gets old. If I hadn’t been shown how easy it is to learn I would likely have gone another 20 years without ever giving it a try.

Fishing changed my life as a depressed 8 year old foster kid with little hope in life. That’ why I tell people all the time that they need to take a kid fishing.

Well I would say that fly fishing changed my life as well. Heck it may have even saved my life. It’s a long story but to make it short, the joy of fly fishing drew me away from drug abuse and into a life free of that. I ended up moving from where I was living to where my roots were in New Brunswick Canada.

When people interested in the topic fly fishing start looking at prices they sometimes need to sit down. Yes things can be that expensive but I have never paid those prices for any fishing gear, fly fishing or otherwise.

My first fly fishing setup was all of $30.00 for both the rod and reel. I did have to spend another $25.00 on fly line but that setup is still working just fine today,  about 25 years later. Costs may have gone up but you can still find great deals and remember what you buy for a rod and reel can last you for years to come making it a worthy investment.

I have never bought a fly rod or fly reel on ebay but that’s because I already have my gear. I buy a lot of other things from ebay, including everything else to do with fly fishing. I think that if you are on a budget you should check out ebay and see what’s there. But first be sure you do some research before buying.

When I look at things on ebay, fly fishing or other hobbies and interests I like to look at an item and then go and find the web site for the company that makes the products so I can see about the quality and features.

Try Tying Your Own Artificial Flies

I’m telling you that I was blown away with how easy it was to get started with my new fly fishing hobby all those years ago but even better than that was learning about the flies I was using to catch brook trout, Atlantic salmon and even bass and chain pickerel.

Before long, probably less than a month after I started fly fishing I just had to try my hand at tying my own flies. I was fortunate enough to have a brother-in-law that showed me how to fly fish and he showed how to tie my first fly.

Well like I said it’s 20 some years later and I still can’t get enough fly fishing. Heck I even have my fly tying bench setup in my office where I work at home. It’s great, and I personally recommend giving fly fishing a try, you may just find a renewed love for fishing.

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I live in Canada and love Pike and Chain Pickerel fishing every chance I get. They are just so explosive that I can’t get enough of them. I even would like to get a hook or two into a nice big Musky, now that I know we do have them where I live.

Fishing has been a hobby for many years and I love introducing people to my hobby and watch them take up a new hobby.

I have one new friend I introduced to Chain pickerel about 2 years ago and he can’t get enough of them. He never wants to fish anything else. That’s how much fun they are.

BTW: We practice catch and release so our kids and their kids can enjoy this hobby as much as we do now. Keep our waters and land clean for our future.

I really like using the ole fly rod on these toothy critters but my buddy isn’t quite ready for that but I will be sure to get him to bring his fly rod every time we go. I have had days in the heat of summer when there isn’t a breeze anywhere. What a great time to get the fly rod out. I’ve had days where I have caught dozens of pickerel and had to call it a day because my arms where just worn completely out.

Using Big Lures Catches Bigger Fish, Sometimes.

I said sometimes because these pike and pickerel are nuts and will hit just about anything that moves. Even the little guys about the size of a hammer handle like taking on a huge lure that is almost as big as they are. It’s all great fun.

Most of the time when I am fishing I am using something that resembles what the fish I am after eat but not with pike or chain pickerel. I think I could tie just about anything on and toss it in and they would still go after it. I really like getting out the biggest and ugliest lure than you would wonder why I ever purchased it and throw it at them just to show people they will go for almost anything.

But, if you have a lure that does look like something local, like a bait fish, mouse our even a small bird and you will get action, lots of action most days. I have learned not to stick my fingers in the water when pike fishing for just that reason.

I’ll mention three categories that lures fit into and you would be hard pressed to find something they won’t go after most of the time.

• Spoons
• Spinners
• Live Bait

The first category I mentioned is spoons. This is where I started with pike fishing many many years ago and it still works great today. Pike and Pickerel just can’t let it go, the motion is just too erratic for them to ignore. I very seldom ever miss a strike using spoons.

When it comes to using spinner baits go big or stay home. You will get a lot more hookups that stay on if you choose to use larger baits, even adding a trailer hook like we do for bass fishing. The trailer hook will help with the short strikes pike and pickerel are known for.

If I am going to use swim baits I like to match the hatch as they say and feed them what they are already eating.

What it comes down to as far as I am concerned, when fishing pike and chain pickerel is to get something in the water and you’ll do fine most of the time.

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If you are looking for a fish finder then it should have at least three basic features. It should tell you the temperature of the water, the depth of the water and give you a map of the bottom terrain for where you are fishing at provided it is not beyond its depth locator. These are three basic features just about every fish finder on the market now has and it is to be expected. Sometimes that is enough and sometimes you need something more advanced to help you hook that trophy fish. The Eagle Cuda 300 Fishfinder delivers some of those advanced features.

To be quite honest, the Eagle Cuda 300 Fishfinder is not the best fish finder on the market. It does have a limited depth and range for its sonar. But considering its price you do get the basics plus a little bit more. It is those extras that are fueling sales of this fish finder over comparative models.

Among the extras you get with the Eagle Cuda 300 is the power to see the distance downward of the fish. That is valuable because, when casting out your line and utilizing weights, you want to come to the most appropriate deepness for the specific fish you’re looking for. The topography the Eagle Cuda 300 reveals is pretty comprehensive taking into account it’s a cheaper product. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to see that brush pile at the base of the lake that you might possibly get snagged on, but it does give you a view of a widespread topography.

The Eagle Cuda 300 also includes another rather helpful feature. It permits you to view the screen even in bright daylight. A good number of LCD screens are tough to read if sunlight is shining on them so this is something you ought to be aware of.

The Eagle Cuda 300 Fishfinder is very reasonably priced. You can find it online at various websites for around 0, which puts it into the economical category. Though it is not going to give you the intricate details of the size of the fish or the type, it still does the job quite well. As a beginning fisherman, this is a good purchase because it gives you the basics plus a little bit extra. If you are a competitive sportsman or woman, you may want to go with a more advanced model.

If you want to increase your odds of catching fish, you should consider investing in a fish finder. But how do you know if the Furuno FCV 295 10.4″ fish finder is better than the Garmin 140, for example? You need to read some fish finder reviews to help you decide on the right model for your needs.

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Choosing a fly rod is a very mulled-over process. There are so many factors to think about that arriving at a choice can be pretty discouraging. Here are some guidelines and advice to help you make the right verdict when trying to buy a fly rod.

Fly Fishing Tackle – Consider Both Fly Size and Line Weight

The weight of the line you have must match the fly size—this is imperative.Furthermore, you should take into account the weight and also the numbers of the flies you’re planning to cast. For example, to fish for trout on little rivers and streams, you’re going to need a very different rod from what you’d use to fish for other species, such as pike. Providentially, there is a basis known as AFTM that matches the weight of fly line to the accurate rod. If you wish to fish streams and small lakes, choose an AFTM line weight of 5 to 6 to match with rods 8 feet to 8 feet 6 inches lengthwise. Anglers should take into consideration that the AFTM correlations are estimates in light of the fact that there’s substantial overlap amongst the kinds.

Fly Fishing Tackle -Other Factors That Influence Rod Decisions

An Angler ought to match his/her rod size to the kind and size of fish they’re seeking. Once you’ve settled on a fly size and line weight, you need to select your rod length. A short line can make your cast more precise but they are weaker. Long rods give more power and can be handled easier. In practical utilization, a medium-length rod rated for a 4 weight line has very little power and should only be implemented when casting for small fish. On the other hand, a longer length rod that’s also rated for the same weight line will have enough power and rigidity to catch fish that are really large. The weight of the rod will be vital considering that when you are fly fishing the angler’s rod is hand held and not placed in a rod rest. The length of a rod is yet another aspect to take into consideration. If a rod is too lengthy it will seem slow-acting, unresponsive and also weighty. A rod that is very short abbreviates casting distance and makes it harder to manage line drift.

All About Rod Action and Performance Level

The action of a rod refers to how bendable it is. A fast action rod will flex primarily at the tip but will be firm butt end. A slow action rod will be bendable at the butt end and will usually not flex at the tip. A moderate action rod is neither excessively flexible nor excessively stiff. Furthermore, it is significant for the action in a rod to be totally progressive, which means that the rod will bend along the entire length with the load capacity. Ultimately there’s an elusive facet of a rod that is connected to its “feel.” A rod which has the correct feel communicates clearly to the angler, permitting the proper amount of time for casting his line and giving him a chance to extend the proper force needed. Lesser rods have an indecisive or vague feel that can hamper correct casting.

Fly Fishing Tackle -Your fly rod is an vital constituent of your fishing equipment. Choose it with care and deliberation.

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I really enjoyed fly fishing from my canoe here in New Brunswick although it was a really easy canoe to tip so I had to have good balance all the time, but it was worth it.

I have taken a few friends fly fishing in my canoe and they usually tell me it was tough fishing as they have either fished from a more stable boat, like a bass boat with a platform to stand on or that they have only ever done their fly fishing from the river or lake bank.

At the beginning I found that the water seemed a little to close for fly fishing when I was in my canoe, but then I went fly fishing from my float tube where my elbows almost drag in the water. Fly fishing from my canoe was much easier after that.

Once I over came the balancing issues and had casting so close to the water I was able to get to fish most others would pass by. Especially where I fish for Chain pickerel. They will fight so hard they turn the canoe around, which has disturbed a few of my fishing buddies.

I may not be able to move as fast as a boat with a motor but I don’t mind. They are usually all over the place, just because they can, so it’s seldom they come close enough to bother me. I end up with all the honey holes that they couldn’t get to with their big fancy boats.

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My granddad worked for the railroad here and had a great edge on most fly fishers. He could just jump on a train and they would stop anywhere along their route to let him off for a day of fishing. All he had to do was stand by the tracks again when he wanted to be picked up to go home. Pretty cool fly fishing.

Formerly anglers and rod makers could draw fine distinctions between male and female Calcutta and Tonkin ” canes,” but under present conditions good Calcutta is very rare and the word ” Calcutta ” is becoming merely a trade term. Good bamboo of all kinds is more difficult to obtain and a good piece of Tonkin is better than an indifferent one of Calcutta. Male Calcutta, however, is supposed to be superior to either the female or Tonkin. The cheapest split cane is known as steel vine or African cane. It is light colored and makes up into good, inexpensive bamboo fly fishing rods.

Six Strip and 8 Strip Bamboo Fly Fishing Rods

We assume that you know that bamboo is split and then glued together in order to utilize the hard outer enamel and reduce the diameter of the pieces. Some rods are made of bamboo split into six sections and some in eight (octagonal) but the six strip construction is more often used. Some makers claim that the eight strip, being more nearly a true cylinder, possesses better action but this seems to be more theoretical than practical, while the tiny tips of an eight strip rod are likely to be ” soft” due to the comparative amount of glue necessary to hold the pieces together. Eight strip rods cost more than the six strip and if the angler wants a round bamboo fly fishing rod they are preferable to the six strip planed down as planing certainly must injure a rod. As a general rule a well-made six strip rod leaves little to be desired.

Special Feature Bamboo Fly Fishing Rods

A novelty in bamboo fly fishing rod making is what is known as the ” double built ” rods which are made of two layers of split and glued bamboo, one within the other. They are heavier and strong, and it is claimed, hold their shape better, than ordinary rods and are popular for sea and salmon fishing but unnecessary, I believe, in single hand fly rods. An English innovation is the steel center rod which consists of a fine piece of well-tempered steel running as a core through sections of regular split bamboo. The makers claim this construction gives a rod of superior casting power with only of an ounce added weight. Friends who possess rods of this kind are enthusiastic admirers of this construction for heavy fishing.

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A species generally encountered in the northern fresh waters of the globe, pike is a favorite catch for many hobbyists, myself included, although here in New Brunswick we have Chain Pickerel instead of the Northern pike, but they are still a lot of fun.

The maximum length one pike can reach is 1.83 meters and its weight can go up to 35 kilograms, whereas the chain pickerel is smaller it’s still a power house when it comes to fighting.

Many people who are taking up fly fishing as a sport and hobby just have to give pike fishing on the fly a try. Before concerning themselves about what flies and accessories to use, it is good to find out about the eating habits specific to the species so you can match the hatch as they say, or give them an artificial fly that looks like what they feed on.

Usually I use artificial flies inspired from this toothy monster of the shallows’ diet which covers just about anything that moves, above, on or below the water surface.

Pike feast on shoal fish and they sometimes prey on their smaller kin. They also love insects and amphibians and would not say no to mice or moles or even ducklings if they are really hungry. You could almost just tie a feather or two on a hook and they will still pounce on it.

Flies That Attract Pike

I love using top water flies. I tie them to look like mice, frogs  or small birds. It can make casting a little tougher but once you get that strike the almosts rips the fly rod from your hands it’s all worth the effort.

Of course I catch pike and pickerel on flies that are just regular trout flies but I enjoy using the big bad flies, even if my arm is worn out by noon.

I also use my Atlantic salmon flies. They look just like minnows and pike and pickerel just can’t seem to turn down a free meal or two.

What it really comes down to, when fly fishing pike, is to have something to throw at them and then look out because you’re in for some great fun.

Fishing Etiquette – Taking out your Line

Common courtesy dictates that you take your line out of the water for any angler who has a fish on the line. This is so that they have plenty of space in order to land their fish. This rule is very important if you’re fishing down-river from the other angler. Make sure that you never step into the space of an angler who is releasing or landing a fish on the bank.

Fishing Etiquette – Silence

Whenever you’re fly fishing you’ll need to be as quiet as you can…and this means leaving your dog and the radio at home. There are two reasons why you want to be as quiet as possible: (1) you don’t want to spook the fish, and (2) you don’t want to disturb other fly fishers. Many people enjoy fly fishing for the peace and solitude that it affords them.

Fishing Etiquette – Lend a Helping Hand

Always be willing to help out other anglers. This can be as simple as helping them retrieve something that has floated down-river or lending them something that they need, such as extra line. You’re all there for a fun day of fly fishing so helping each other out just lends to the experience.

Wading with Safety

When you’re wading make sure that you follow a few basic rules: (1) never fish by yourself on remote lakes, rivers, or streams, (2) wear a good pair of wading boots, (3) use a good wading staff that is flexible yet strong, and (4) know the area where you’re wading. Wading is a great way to get access into those places that you couldn’t otherwise reach.

Tackle Boxes

Tackle boxes: A tackle box is a necessity so that you can keep all your “stuff” with you in one organized place. Some of the things to keep in mind when you use a tackle box and want to avoid overfilling include:
· Keep your worms and soft plastic bait in a small container away from your other lures. This will keep the soft plastic lures from creating a chemical reaction with the materials that other baits are made of.
· Buy two or more small tackle boxes to hold certain categories of lures. For instance, buy one tackle box to hold your worms and another to hold your spinnerbaits.
· Buy seasonal tackle boxes that you only use at certain times of year. In the spring you can have a tackle box that contains jigs, plastic worms, and minnow lures. And in the fall you can have a tackle box that is filled with fall lure, such as topwaters and crankbaits.

Keep your Fishing Vest Organized

If you use a fishing vest to carry around your tackle and lure you’ll want to keep it as organized as you can so that you’re not fumbling around looking for something when you need it. If you’re not going to be using something leave it home so that you only take along the essentials.

Carry a Wading Staff

When you’re fishing in water that is rough or unfamiliar you might want to carry a wading staff to keep you stable and give you better footing.

Wear Good Shoes

A good pair of wading shoes will let your grip the bottom that you’re walking on. Choose shoes that have soles with rubber cleats since these are ideal of bottoms that are made of mud, fine gravel, sand, or soft silt.

Take Along the Sun Block

Although it may seem like a small tip to mention, taking along the sun block is one thing that you don’t want to forget. After standing in a sunny stream for eight hours you’ll be glad that you remembered to bring along some protection.

Use Polarized Glasses

Wearing polarized glasses is one of the best things that you can do. You’ll be able to see beneath the water so you can keep an eye on your fish. Don’t forget a hat to reduce the amount of glare that you experience.

Discouraging Insects

If you want to discourage insects you’ll want to avoid wearing clothes that are red, yellow, black, white, or navy blue. These colors can attract black flies, deerflies, gnats, and mosquitoes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Louis_Dale

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Many outdoor enthusiasts look to sophisticated technology to help them in their outdoor pursuits. For these individuals, utilizing a fish finder is a handy device to help them catch fish. Many individuals swear by old tried and true techniques to find the best fishing holes. But when used properly, advanced technology will take some of the speculation out of catching the big one.

If you can use the characteristics of the fish finder with accuracy, you will not have to trust your intuition to find the fish you’re looking for. Sonar technology, very much like porpoises use, creates the images and the information that you see on the fish finder’s screen. Once you learn to correctly adjust the finder you ought to be able to discover where the fish are hiding easily.

A fish finder relies on sonar to find the fish that you are searching for. The sonar sends out sound waves to determine depth. When the sound waves bounce off an object or the bottom of a lake, the distance can be measured and objects can be detected on the screen.

When you find a great location for your fish finder you will want to ensure that you are mounting it in compliance with the directions. Misaligning the equipment can lead to faulty readouts. Finding the ultimate sensitivity setting for the finder is an interesting trick. Most manuals come with recommendations, yet on the whole you want the sensitivity settings to reflect the region which you fish. If you’re out on open deep waters you might find a higher sensitivity is effective.

Using this type of equipment does have a learning curve. Frequently a person will mistake a tree branch or other debris for the presence of fish. It may take several tries for you to completely understand how to find precisely what you are searching for.

The technology has progressed to the place that you can now see to depths of 50 feet. And many units can spot objects as small as the tiniest lure. If the fish finder is advanced enough, it can distinguish the kind of fish that are below you. You can set the equipment to notify you when it locates the type of fish that you are trying to find.

You can still use all of your intuition when fishing. Actually, making use of a fish finder tends to work better if you still utilize your gut feelings and put your well earned knowledge into action. Keep in mind that this is a tool designed to help create a better experience for you, so you get to be in charge of how much you rely on it.

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Fly Fishing Flies (Orvis Fly Fishing School)

Traditionally, fly fishing has been used to catch salmon and trout, but today fly fishing can catch a variety of other fish species from smallmouth and largemouth bass, to your larger saltwater fish species, such as marlin and tarpon. Unlike bait fishing where live bait is used to catch fish, artificial fly fishing flies are used to catch fish when fly fishing. The equipment used for fly fishing also differs from fishing equipment used for bait fishing. For fly fishing it is important to select the correct fly line, fly rod and flt reel before you start fishing. It is also extremely important to use the correct fly fishing flies to match the species of fish you want to catch.

An Introduction to Fly Fishing Flies

Artificial fly fishing flies are commonly used in fly fishing. Artificial fly fishing flies are available all over the world, and many companies produce fly fishing flies. Fly fishing flies come in great varieties with respect to size, shape and even color. Fly fishing flies are made from materials such as fur, feathers, hairs and other materials. These materials can either be natural or synthetic. Many fly fishing flies available today imitate the food that a particular fish may eat. You also get fly fishing flies that don’t imitate anything in nature.

Fly fishing flies are made with the aquatic appearance of local fish and insects in mind. If you are trying to catch a fish in a particular location, the fly fishing flies you use must match a food that the fish eats in that particular location. You can also change the patterns and colors of fly fishing flies that you purchase so that these flies are a more suitable match for the particular location you are fishing in. Many fly fishermen make their own fly fishing flies for fishing or as a hobby. To meet the different specifications of fly fishing flies required all over the world, gifted experts are employed all over the world to create artificial fly fishing flies. It is actually quite a fun and rewarding hobby to create your own artificial fly fishing flies. Synthetic materials are more popular when it comes to creating flies.

If you are looking to purchase a quality fly fishing rod, check out the Sage fly rod range.

Categories of Fly Fishing Flies

There is an incredible variety of fly fishing flies that are available. Fly fishing flies can be broken down into the following categories:

• Dry Flies – Designed to float on the water surface and imitate the adult stage of aquatic insects, or land-based insects that have fallen into the water (such as ants or beetles).
• Wet Flies – Designed to float just below the surface of the water and imitate immature aquatic insects, or drowned insects.
• Nymphs – A type of wet fly that imitates the larval form of aquatic insects.
• Streamers – A type of wet fly that imitates minnows or small fish which are the prey of larger fish.
• Surface Lures – Surface lures are designed to look like mice or frogs. Are usually very colorful, and are fished in a way to create a commotion to attract large predatory fish.

If you are looking to purchase a fly fishing float tube, check out the Outcast float tube guide.

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