Archive for the ‘Bay Fishing’ Category
Salt Water Fly Fishing – Adding A Salty Dimension To The Sport!
The thrill and excitement that was the characteristic of freshwater bodies in days of yore has now extended to salt water fish. Since the past half century fly fishing has become somewhat of an elitist sport and has spread through Europe and the Americas. Many of the sports men choose to wear their hip length waders and fish from near the river banks or the shores of the lakes while some prefer to go out in boats with their fly fishing equipment.
When it comes to saltwater fishing the angler has two choices. One is to seek a place on an island or near a densely vegetated part of the sea shore or go out in a boat to a place he or she knows big game is lurking. When I comes to salt water fly fishing one can be assured the prey they seek will be enormous. And given that water covers over 75% of the earth there is no dearth of saltwater fish to angle or the number of places to fish.
So far as salt water fishing is concerned, it is important to study and understand the effect the tides have on the fish. The temperature and the clarity of the water is affected by the tides. These are two of the important factors to be considered when fly fishing. Let us take an example. Fly fishing in an inland lagoon or a bay means the tides need to be taken in to consideration, when the tide is draining out from the lagoon or bay the larger fish will be feeding on the tiny fish that have been swept into the water body by the tide. Try your luck fishing away from the mouth of the creek, you will be pleasantly surprised.
A little knowledge of geography will tell you that tides rise and fall once every 12 hours. Since salt water fly fishing is done in shallow waters (if you want relatively smaller fish) you know that fishing during the times when the tides have ebbed. This is the time the fish will be feeding among the vegetation and the smaller fish that swim near the surface.
Most of the salt water fisherman prefer to fly fish in the shallow waters near the shore, or from a boat a little way out in the ocean where bigger game offer more excitement. This is known as ‘inshore fishing’. The game that can be pursued during ‘inshore fishing’ include striped bass, bluefish, flounder, channel bass, bonito and barracuda among many others.
The other form of saltwater fly fishing is deep water fishing. This is an even more challenging form of fly fishing. Typically deep water fly fishing is pursued in waters that are deeper than 12 feet. Fly fishers usually fish in deep salt waters from boats than can range in length from 50 feet to 10 feet, this is fast gaining popularity among the fly fisher community all over the world.
Abhishek is an avid Fly Fishing enthusiast and he has got some great Fly Fishing Secrets up his sleeve! Download his FREE 93 Pages Ebook, “How To Become A Fly Fishing Pro” from his website http://www.Fishing-Masters.com/95/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.
Source: ArticlesBase
http://www.articlesbase.com/fishing-articles/salt-water-fly-fishing-adding-a-salty-dimension-to-the-sport-775991.html
Tips for Successfully Selling a Saltwater Aquarium on E-bay
Saltwater Reef Aquariums, Aquariums are a delightful addition to any home, and they inevitably brighten up the scenery and delight young and old alike. Despite their many assets there may come a time when an aquarium owner is simply unable to keep their aquarium. It may be a matter of finances (even though the majority of expenses are associated with setting up the aquarium there are certain expenses associated with keeping it running, and repairs and fish food can accumulate to be an impressive sum as well) or there may a move taking place and the new home will not accommodate a large aquarium, or the owner may be traveling such a distance that it is impractical for them to take their aquarium with them. Whatever the reason, if an owner is unable to keep their aquarium one of the fastest and most painless ways to sell their aquarium is on e-Bay.
For those who are not familiar, e-Bay is an online auction house and one of the biggest sales venues in the country today. Every day hundreds of thousands of people visit e-Bay to view what is for sale and to list their own goods. The advantage of e-Bay over more traditional sales venues is that it allows competition to drive up the price of its products so that there is literally no maximum amount of profit a product can sell for. The name of the game is for buyers to outbid each other until one buyer finally makes a bid so high that no one else is willing to try to top them or the time for bidding has passed.
Registering to sell on e-Bay is simple. All a would-be seller needs to do is open a seller’s account, which can easily be done by following the instructions on e-Bay’s homepage, www.ebay.com. Once a seller account has been created the seller can begin to list their goods. It is free to establish a seller account; however, there are certain fees associated with selling on e-Bay, so it is necessary to determine if the potential profits justify the amount of these fees before committing to selling through this venue. Chances are the answer will be yes.
There are some steps which can be taken to make sure that the saltwater aquarium an individual is attempting to sell will sell quickly. Including a picture of the aquarium with the listing is important, as many novice aquatic enthusiasts will not recognize a written description of an aquarium. A picture will draw their attention. The one line description should include as much basic information pertaining to the aquarium as possible, as the attention span of most buyers is extraordinarily short and if it is not captured in a first glance their business will probably be lost. It is also important that the minimum bid be competitive with other, similar aquariums on e-Bay. It is free to search these listings, and it is not necessary to have an account to view them.
Selling an aquarium on e-Bay is an excellent way for a owner to recoup some of the money which they have invested in their marine life while at the same time assuring that their saltwater aquarium is going to a good home. Saltwater Reef Aquariums
A Beginner’s Guide To Saltwater Reef Aquariums at Saltwater Reef Aquariums
Source: ArticlesBase
http://www.articlesbase.com/sales-articles/tips-for-successfully-selling-a-saltwater-aquarium-on-ebay-634000.html
Natural Summar Spectacle – Sea Turtles at Rocktail Bay
The far northern Kwazulu Natal coast of South Africa hosts an annual natural spectacle that has remained unchanged for thousands of years. Every summer, hundreds of Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles complete their breeding cycle and emerge from the Indian Ocean to lay their eggs on this stretch of coastline – incredibly most returning to the exact beach on which they themselves hatched!
Witnessing a 250kg to 750kg Leatherback Turtle, averaging 1 ½ to 2 metres in length, heave herself with great effort up the beach to above the high tide mark, to watch her dig a hole in the sand and then lay up to 110 eggs at a time while in a state of trance, is an unforgettable experience!
With similar breeding habits, both Loggerhead and Leatherback female turtles lay their eggs between mid-October and mid-March and from January to the end of March, hundreds of hatchlings emerge from the nests and scurry their way down to the sea. The females’ nest at intervals of 2 to 3 years, though recent research has indicated they can nest every year. They nest between 6 to 9 times per season, with an average of 10 days between nestings. Eggs incubate for about 65 days.
Rocktail Bay Lodge, within the iSimangaliso (formerly Greater St Lucia) Wetland Park – a South African World Heritage Site, is considered the best place in South Africa to observe and experience marine turtles. Five different species have been recorded here: Leatherback Dermochelys coriacea, Loggerhead Caretta caretta, Green Chelonia mydas, Hawksbill Eretmochelys imbricata, and Olive Ridley Lepidochelys olivacea. However it is only the Leatherback and Loggerhead that breed in the area.
Back in 1963, scientists from the then-Natal Parks Board under the direction of Dr George Hughes initiated a project to study and protect the dwindling turtle numbers. Because of Rocktail Bay Lodges’ long-term interest in the conservation of this extraordinary area, they have backed this project financially for the last five seasons. The project is deemed the longest on-going scientific study of turtles in the world! The results from this study show that the turtle population is one of very few in the world that is on the increase. Guests visiting Rocktail Bay Lodge in summer are able to interact with the guides and scientists patrolling the beach at low tide at night in search of nesting turtles, a unique attraction well worth the experience!
Guests at Rocktail Bay Lodge are encouraged to ‘adopt’ a turtle, and they are updated via e-mail whenever ‘their’ turtle is spotted nesting. Rocktail Bay Lodge pays the wages of the seasonal turtle scouts that are employed at this time of year to guard the turtle nests and help patrol the beaches. They are also involved in co-sponsoring satellite ‘transponders,’ which track the migratory paths of Leatherback turtles at the end of their three-month laying spree. These transponders have shown that they are able to dive to the most extraordinary depths on a single breath. They have been recorded as diving to 600m and in excess of 900m! The leatherback is the champion of sea turtles: It grows the largest, dives the deepest, and travels the farthest of all sea turtles.
The secluded Rocktail Bay Lodge offers luxurious comfort from which you can experience this spectacle. A place of tranquil beauty and peaceful surroundings, this diverse region is made up of forested dunes, wetlands, sandy beaches, woodlands and warm seas. Situated offshore is the Maputaland Marine Reserve, which offers sanctuary to prolific marine life including coral reefs, huge shoals of fish, and various dolphin and whale species.
The lodge offers a myriad of outdoor activities, which can be enjoyed with a guide or independently. A fully accredited dive centre, as well as experienced camp guides, ensures that, whether it be scuba diving or snorkelling, cultural excursions or forest walks, outings are informative, educational and fun.
The dive operation is unrivalled in South Africa for its exclusive access to pristine reefs hosting a wide array of marine biodiversity. Snorkelling can produce sightings as spectacular as the diving outings. Both snorkelling and diving in the warm ocean are excellent all year round with different seasons bringing a variety of wonders: in summer the whalesharks and pregnant ragged-toothed sharks; in winter the humpback whales.
Guided activities on offer are:
Scuba diving on 15 exclusive access reefs.
Snorkelling outings to productive Lala Nek.
Outings to the geological and scenically spectacular Black Rock.
Outings to Gugulesizwe Cultural Village for quad-biking, horse riding, stargazing, Zulu dancing and sangoma visits (some at additional cost).
Forest walks for birding, botanising and small mammal spotting, including guided trails through the forest.
Catch-and-release saltwater fly-fishing.
Swimming (there are no lifeguards however) and lazing on the 40km beach.
The unique coastal wildlife experience offered at Rocktail Bay Lodge can be combined with a Big 5 wildlife experience at one of the private game reserves or National Parks within Kwazulu Natal. An open vehicle 4×4 safari guided by a professional, experienced game ranger is a “must” to include on your travel itinerary.
Africa Tamed is a successful tour operator, based in Cape Town, South Africa offering unique, value added travel packages to Southern Africa. Contact them now to design your romantic beach vacation to Southern Africa. http://www.africatamed.co.za
Source: ArticlesBase
http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/natural-summar-spectacle-sea-turtles-at-rocktail-bay-648300.html
Charming Chesapeake Bay Vacations
Chesapeake Bay is not the kind of place that you’ll see looming in the distance as you head down the highway. You can’t just type the name into a Web site or your car’s navigation system and expect it to turn up a specific point on the map, and when you tell people this is where you’re headed, expect follow up questions. Chesapeake Bay covers an impressive 2,500 square miles just begging to be explored, so narrow your focus and prepare to encounter a geographically unique, endlessly entertaining locale that also qualifies as a state of mind.
Located between Maryland and Virginia, Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary on the continent, meaning it’s the meeting place for freshwater rivers and the salty sea. From the Native Americans of yesteryear to the world-weary vacationers of today, this expansive stretch of open water plus the settlements that have sprung up around it have attracted all sorts of people looking to live, work and play in a beautiful place.
If you’re interested in the basic facts, the name means “great shellfish bay” because it is home to over 170 species of shellfish. There are also at least 350 kinds of fish and a couple thousand plant varieties. Judging by all this vibrant and exuberant life, there must be something life-affirming about this region.
Once you lay eyes on the bay, you’ll start to get a feel for what that is. No matter where you end up stopping off, you’ll instantly absorb the rich history, conservation-themed attitudes, East Coast charm, and a healthy sense of fun that pervades the towns. From Annapolis to Virginia Beach, the restaurants, festivals, and constant array of activities will be more than enough to fill a memory-making vacation for you and yours.
Watch the constant flow of ocean-going ships as you walk along the bay each morning. Check out historic districts that claim ties to the likes of long-ago English explorers like John Smith, or take a narrated boat tour that will fill you in on a few juicy tidbits. As you can imagine, fishing is huge here, so investigate the licensing laws and regulations before casting a line in the hopes of reeling in some fresh dinner. Rockfish, drum and trout are just a few of the favorite finds.
Also out on the water you’ll find a number of boating opportunities. Yachters and sailors can take up their sport of choice in a prime location, and joining a few fellow wave catchers will add to your joy at being out on the open water. Camaraderie, speed, and beautiful scenery…what more could you need? Marinas and docks are everywhere you look, ready to meet your needs no matter what you decide to do.
Special events are plentiful here, especially during the warm weather. Easterners know how to cherish warm days and sunshine, and planning your visit to coincide with a festival will surely be worth your while. Many revolve around seafood; Crab Days and Clam Bakes bring people together for music, dancing, and all sorts of delicious delights. Arts and crafts are also big draws, as are boat fests and regattas and Fourth of July celebrations. As you can see, there’s rarely a dull moment on Chesapeake Bay.
You may be tempted to dabble in all the different points of view that the Bay provides; from the head to the mouth goodness knows there’s much to take in. however, in the interest of a leisurely vacation, it would be best to settle into a vacation rental. Give yourself a home base to be proud of, one that will keep you and your companions living in comfort, close to the water and to one or two city settlements where you can find groceries, entertainment and lots of laid-back energy.
There are many choices to be made when it comes to Chesapeake Bay, so do a little research now in order to fully enjoy yourself later. Select the spot that tickles your fancy, pick out a Chesapeake Bay Vacation Rental, whose pictures and descriptions intrigue you, and prepare to be immersed in the bounties of the bay.
Visit CyberRentals.com to discover your next fabulous vacation condo, cottage or cabin.
Source: ArticlesBase
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/charming-chesapeake-bay-vacations-59120.html
Boat for the Bay
Chesapeake Bay and its many Maryland tributaries offer some of the most beautiful waterfront areas in the country. It’s no surprise that this area is popular with the boating population – many home owners here enjoy waterfront access. However, some may be surprised to know that local boaters are actually helping to clean up local waters.
Chesapeake Bay is threatened by a number of sources of pollution that cause excessive levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in the water. This causes rapid growth of algae, known as algal blooms, which blocking sunlight to the detriment of beneficial plant life. The algal blooms present a further threat to shellfish, fish and even humans by lowering the water’s oxygen levels and sometimes releasing harmful toxins. Algal blooms are a cause or contributor to dead zones in the Bay – areas where aquatic life cannot survive because there is so little oxygen. These zones were experienced in about 40 per cent of the Bay last summer.
However, home owners and local residents are trying to improve the water. In association with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, boaters are taking a pledge to protect the Bay in order to defend the area’s threatened fish, crab and oysters, and to preserve this beautiful area for future generations. Boaters for the Bay is a free program that invites local boaters to take up the challenge to leave waters cleaner and healthier for future generations
As advocates for the Bay, boaters commit to litter free and pollution free boating and keep watch for abnormal water conditions and marine anomalies. The Foundation offers several tips for responsible boating including ideas on how to prevent fuel and oil spills, and safer maintenance ideas. The group also encourages boaters to dispose of hazardous waste, sewage and garbage properly, to use phosphate-free soap, and to reduce grey water discharges. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation offers more tips and lots of information about the Bay’s geography, plants and animals on their website.
You don’t have to be a boater to help the Bay – we all benefit from a cleaner waterway. Whether you are a thinking of moving to the area, or are a longtime resident, there are many ways that you can get involved. Working together to improve the neighborhood not only increases the value of our properties, it can also increase the quality of our relationships and our sense of community.
This article was written by the team of Maryland’s first “EcoBroker” designated Realtor, Branden Schroeder. To search Maryland waterfront real estate or for more information on Maryland Homes and Property, visit Branden online at marylandhomesandproperty.com
Source: ArticlesBase
http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/boat-for-the-bay-309137.html
Enjoy Summer Holiday And Experience The World Nature Wonder – Halong Bay
Are you planning your summer vacation now? Come abroad and discover Halong Bay in style this summer with us for a memorable holiday.
We offer wooden traditional junks to discover Halong bay with the itinerary of overnight on board for 2 days or 3 days itinerary. After a night on board, passengers awaken to see daylight filtering through the early morning mist and the towering rock formations, leaving you with a dream-like memory of your visit to the Halong Bay and truly enjoy aboard a perfectly paced cruise, showcasing the glorious landscape of Ha Long Bay, an UNESCO declared World Heritage, among some 1,600 islands and islets, moutains, sandy beaches forming a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars.
Cruise with us, customers will be served with excellence services in Vietnamese style such an aesthetic meals with high quality, and guests will also enjoy completely pack the extra services such as kayaking, fishing. With our junks that sail to the quite at beautiful areas, Halong Bay Legend cruises are ideal for celebrating birthday party, honeymoon, wedding anniversary, etc.
We have a special summer promotion package with only US $90 net per person validity from now till 30th June 2009 ( Term and conditions apply)
Discovery halong bay itinerary
Daily departure
Day 1:
11h30-12h00: Arrive Halong, check-in at Bai Chay tourist pier
Welcome onboard fresh juice fruit
Start cruising to among the thousands of limestone islands while enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on board.
Visit one of the most beautiful cave of Halong bay – Sung Sot cave (Surprises cave) Visit a fishing village.
Happy hour with complimentary fresh tropical fruits and tea, coffee on the sundeck
Option of kayaking, swimming or sunbathing on the sundeck.
Special dinner in Legend Cruises style served at the restaurant.
Day 2:
Continue cruise among the karst scenery of Halong Bay. Enjoy the fantastic rock formation of this unique bay. Visit Luon cave by small bamboo boat to discover a water tunnel.
A brunch will be served on board before journeying back to Halong City at 11h00 am.
For booking and enquiries please contact us:
HALONG BAY LEGEND CRUISES
Ha long street, Bai Chay, Ha long city, Quang Ninh, Vietnam
Tel: (84-33) 3511 878, Fax: (84-33) 3511879
Email: sales@halongbaylegendcruises.com
Website: www.halongbaylegendcruises.com
Skype: legendcruises
Source: ArticlesBase
http://www.articlesbase.com/cruising-articles/enjoy-summer-holiday-and-experience-the-world-nature-wonder-halong-bay-792478.html
Coral Bay Cyprus a Great Cyprus Holiday Resort
Coral bay is situated a few kilometers north of Paphos and is home to some of the most exclusive hotels in the area and boast a beautiful sandy beach. All this makes it a perfect place for families and couples alike who want a luxury holiday with everything in one place including water sports, beach tavernas and plenty of good restaurants too. In fact if your ideal Cyprus holiday involves total relaxation and pampering Coral bay will hit the spot for you.
A few kilometers away is the Akamas Peninsula an area of outstanding natural beauty with it’s unique fauna, flora and several rare species of butterfly too. Lara bay is a yearly stop off for turtles so it’s also well worth a look there too but there will be times when they are laying so be careful not to disturb them or risk damaging any eggs. The Peninsula is also a popular place with divers and diving schools throughout the summer due to its beautiful clear Mediterranean waters and safe beaches. If you have never tried scuba diving before there are plenty of schools running short courses for beginners and novice divers of all abilities so why not have a go?
Coral bay is a fairly new resort so all the hotels and apartments are quite modern with every conceivable luxury the discerning holiday maker could ever wish for. Many of the luxury hotels have beauty spa’s, hair salons and a whole host of other facilities to cater for your every need. You should be aware that some of the more up market hotels will have a dress code involving long pants and shirts for dinner so if you want a more laid back approach it’s best to check first before you book. That said there are lots of modern self catering apartments equipped with everything from fully fitted kitchens to outside barbecue areas for that all important alfresco cooking and outside eating.
Within a short distance of Coral bay is the historic town of Paphos with it’s pretty harbor and medieval fort. The harbor is thronged with trendy cafe bars and restaurants where you can relax whilst taking in the view out over the Mediterranean Ocean or just watch the little fishing boats returning with their wares. In fact there are many excellent fish restaurants that serve locally caught produce and it doesn’t come any fresher than that. Paphos is in fact two towns in one, the old and the new Paphos or Kato Paphos as it is also known. The old town and harbor occupy the lower laying area whilst the modern (new town) is higher up on the hill. If you fancy a wander there is a large market at the top of the hill which sells just about everything and anything. Paphos is also world renowned for it’s history and monuments so there is plenty to occupy most culture vultures too.
There are certain restrictions in force in the Coral bay and paphos areas concerning property development which over the years has stopped too many tall structures being built in the area. If you are searching for property to buy in Cyprus either for investment or as a holiday home the Coral bay area is very exclusive. The downside of this is that prices here are among the highest on the Island which isn’t helped by the close proximity of Cyprus’s golf courses that continues to keep the area very exclusive. On the other hand if you love golf and have plenty of money to spend you will be in heaven because all the golf courses in Cyprus will be right on your doorstep.
There is no doubt that the Coral bay area is still developing and property prices there look set to rise for some time to come. Bearing that in mind and the increasing popularity of golf the whole area is a hotbed of investment which in turn should further add to it’s desirability. All in all Coral bay makes great sense as both a holiday venue and a Cyprus property investment too for those in the enviable position of being able to afford it. Whatever you decide enjoy Cyprus and Coral bay.
Kevin Moore owns several Cyprus web sites and writes regular articles about all aspects of this beautiful Mediterranean Island. Learn more by visiting the web site here Cyprus Coral Bay
Source: ArticlesBase
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/coral-bay-cyprus-a-great-cyprus-holiday-resort-220315.html
Famous Scottish Fish Soup ? Cullen Skink
The famous Scottish fish soup made with smoked haddock is called Cullen Skink. Scotland produces delicious fish and this famous, very rich and tasty soup recipe originates from the fishing village of Cullen, in Morayshire, in the north-east of Scotland. At one time this fish would have been cheap and plentiful, and this dish would have been served regularly. But of course with the shortages of fish in the North Sea today, it is now more expensive to buy.
The word “Skink” (which means “essence” in Gaelic) is a soup which was originally made with shin of beef (it was a sort of soup-stew) , but the main ingredients for the Cullen Skink is smoked haddock and potatoes. The traditional way of cooking it was using “Finnan Haddock”, which needs to be skinned after cooking. This is a very fiddly way of making it, but the recipe below is a bit easier.
This Cullen Skink Recipe makes a filling and rich soup and although it can be a meal by itself, it makes a very unusual starter (providing your guests like fish of course). Serve it with thick slices of homemade crusty bread and unsalted butter.
Cullen Skink Recipe
Ingredients
A large smoked haddock (weighing around 2lb)
1 large onion, finely chopped.
2 pts pints (1200ml) milk
1 large potato chopped finely
Salt and pepper
1 bay leaf
Chopped parsley
Method
Skin the haddock before cooking.
Place the smoked haddock with milk and bay leaf, in a large pan.
Poach gently for a few minutes.
Remove fish from pan.
Add onion and potato to pan and cook gently until soft.
When the vegetables are soft, remove the bay leaf
Liquidise the milk, onion and potatoes until they are like a smooth cream. (If you don’t have a liquidiser, try a food processor. If you don’t have that, then use a potato masher although you won’t get such a good smooth creamy texture).
Return to the pan, and add the flaked haddock..
Season with pepper. (You probably won’t want extra salt, as the smoked fish usually provides enough salt).
Add chopped parsley.
Serve with homemade bread and unsalted butter.
For further recipes check out Authentic Scottish Food Recipes
Source: ArticlesBase
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/famous-scottish-fish-soup-cullen-skink-224370.html
Charming Half Moon Bay Half Hour From San Francisco
If San Francisco conjures up the image of a metropolis with crowded streets and dense population, you’ll be surprised to learn that just a few miles south and west you will find Half Moon Bay, a rural oasis of charm set along a scenic stretch of pristine California seashore.
It’s in this small village that you’ll find quaint shops and a little more laid-back pace than the bay cities less than a half-hour drive to the northeast. There are lighthouses and farms nearby, flower markets, spectacular tide pools, and a harbor with the freshest of crab, salmon and halibut that find their way onto tables of some excellent local restaurants.
Half Moon Bay is indeed special, and it’s probably all due to its name – how could a place named Half Moon Bay be anything but a dreamy little enclave with almost fairy-tale views of the sea?
Our most recent visit to Half Moon Bay was enhanced by our accommodations – a place called the Beach House that offers 54 colorful loft suites perched on a scenic cliff overlooking the coastline. The suites are spacious and inviting, designed as open studios to take advantage of the ocean views. Each unit includes a private patio or balcony as well as separate bedroom and living areas. All the conveniences are there: wood burning fireplaces, wet bars, microwaves, refrigerators, goose down comforters – you name it.
The Beach House has a Cape Cod look, which fits well with the nearby beach and marina. You can walk wide trails down to the marina or beach and have the sense that you truly are a long ways from the Big City.
Of course the hotel’s spa services will remind you that you’re not exactly in Kansas – there is a whole menu of spa enhancements available including the signature Parisian Lavender Wrap, Reiki Massage and Aromatherapy.
Just a five-minute drive from the hotel is the downtown shopping district of Half Moon Bay, a place to meander and explore while you look for that special something to take back to friends and family. Numerous boutiques, restaurants and cafes are along Historic Main Street, not to mention more bakeries per capita than any small city we have visited.
A restaurant called Cetrella was recommended to us and is described as a “casually elegant Mediterranean bistro” with perhaps the newest and most impressive building in the downtown shopping area. The menu was amazing in its variety, yet it still offered simple choices between seafood, beef, pork, lamb and even rabbit. Among our favorites were the mesquite grilled dry aged Creekstone Farms Black Angus ribeye and the seared Cypress Island salmon – both cooked to perfection. Vegetables, served in a dizzying array of different dishes, were the freshest we can remember – which should come as no surprise considering there are farms within walking distance of the restaurant. All and all, Cetrella was a hit with our family and apparently with everyone else in town, too – this large restaurant was nearing capacity even on a weekday night.
Another fun place to dine in Half Moon Bay is Sam’s Chowder House, our choice for lunch on the second day. This fairly new restaurant is just a short walk from the hotel and offers terrific views of the bay. Our favorite item: the clam chowder.
Once you’ve shopped and dined to your heart’s content, the next step is exploration and that starts with the beaches right in Half Moon Bay. There are some 55 miles of beaches along this part of the Coastside area – the area just on the west side of the mountains from San Francisco Bay cities — and it seemed like a good number of those were right in Half Moon Bay. We took a trail along the bluffs and then went down another trail to the beach level where on this windy day we had miles and miles of beaches to ourselves. No doubt on less windy days there are more visitors enjoying these wide, seemingly endless beaches.
Numerous state parks and coastal trails of all varieties are found in nearly all of the communities along Highway 1. McNee Ranch State Park is a 700-acre preserve near Montara Mountain that offers picture-perfect ocean and hillside views. San Pedro Valley County park is an 1,150-acre park in Pacifica that offers several short, scenic trails.
Eco-tourism is big in this area only minutes from downtown San Francisco and among the activities to put you in touch with your planet are visits to area wildlife preserves and farms. Pillar Point Harbor, near the Beach House, is a working fishing harbor where you can interact with fishermen and women and learn how they make their living from the sea. In fact you can go fishing yourself on one of the local charter boats, or take a boat out to watch the whales that travel the Pacific Coast, December through April.
And how’s this for an interesting option: Spend part of your visit staying on a local family-owned farm where you’ll get an up-close view of how farmers make their living from the soil or from animal products. You can also tour a farm if you don’t have time to stay. Phipp’s Ranch in Pescadero features over 100 varieties of organic veggies, plants and herbs, while Harley Farms Goat Dairy features an edible flower garden and tours of their cheese-making room.
In addition to the seashore activities such as beachcombing and tide pooling, there are a couple of bird refuges in the area. The Pescadero Marsh is where about 200 species of birds rest and feed each year and the trail that leads along an old marshlands dike offers some great views. At Pillar Point, bird-watchers have sighted about 20 percent of all North American bird species including herons, snowy egrets, loons and grebes.
Finally, be sure to visit the two historical lighthouses located in along this coast. The Point Montara Lighthouse is in Montara and just off Highway 1 – although keep a watchful eye or you’ll miss the turn-off. It was built for mariners approaching the sometimes fog-shrouded San Francisco Coast and dates back as far as 1875. The current 30-foot tower and lens have been in operation since 1928. The grounds are currently leased to American Youth Hostel, Inc. and are open from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. and 5 to 9:30 p.m.
The Pigeon Point Lighthouse State Historic Park is located south of Pescadero on the way to Santa Cruz. The lighthouse lens was lit for the first time in 1872 and this particular lighthouse is one of the two tallest on the West Coast. The grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk with guided tours and docents available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. There is a hostel at this lighthouse as well.
AT A GLANCE
WHERE: Half Moon Bay is about 25 miles from San Francisco and accessible using the two-lane coast road from Pacifica or by driving Interstate 280 south from San Francisco and then motoring the last few miles west on Highway 92, a two-lane road. Half Moon Bay feels quite rural, probably because it has some coastal mountains separating it from San Francisco.
WHAT: Half Moon Bay is an ideal choice for a short getaway that offers a variety of accommodations, good local restaurants, quaint shops, beaches and plenty of seaside activities such as tide pooling and sea kayaking.
WHEN: Any time of year. Bundle up for those winter walks, and sometimes even summer months are quite cool down on the beach.
WHY: Lots of natural beauty that can be combined with visits to the city.
HOW: For more information on the Beach House, phone 800-315-9366 or visit www.beach-house.com. For more information on Half Moon Bay and area eco-tours, visit www.visithalfmoonbay.org or phone 866-558-6823.
Cary Ordway is a syndicated travel writer and president of Getaway Media Corp, which publishes websites focused on regional getaway travel. Among the sites currently offered by GMC are http://www.californiaweekend.com , covering California beach vacations and other Golden State destinations, and http://www.northwesttraveladvisor.com , covering Northwest travel .
Source: ArticlesBase
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/charming-half-moon-bay-half-hour-from-san-francisco-720811.html
Ohio Crappie Fishing Secrets
During the spring in Ohio, crappie fishing is at its best and draws anglers out in droves to find the biggest slabs around. While in many areas, crappie tend to be inconsistent in numbers from year to year based on their reproductive cycles, Ohio lakes tend to produce large quantities of the sunfish every year with little fluctuation. Because of its predictably good return, Ohio crappie fishing is one of the most prominent places for spring fishing trips.
There are probably five areas that could be considered the hottest Ohio crappie fishing locales in the state. Sandusky Bay is definitely among those top spots, with large schools of big crappie. Here, according to many anglers, it is less common to see a crappie under 10 inches in length than to catch several that are 15- or 17-inches long. Reports claim that you could possibly catch more crappie in Sandusky Bay in a single day than you could in any other location in Ohio all year long. Arguably, this is certainly a great start to a spring season of Ohio crappie fishing. Be aware, however, that waters here tend to be quite shallow. While this makes it warm more quickly for an excellent early spring fishing experience, it also means choppy waters and no room for deep bottom boats.
Delaware Lake has also been considered a consistent location for large quantities of both black and white crappie. This 948-acre lake contains about 21 miles of shoreline where crappie can find areas of brush to provide cover in the spring and summer months, when they prefer more shallow waters. For success, in the early spring, troll the lake’s southern portions, where you’ll find deep channels full of fat, languid crappie or along the eastern shore south of the marina. As it gets warmer in Ohio, crappie fishing will be better at the shallower, northern end of the lake.
You can also find great Ohio crappie fishing near Columbus at Alum Creek Lake. Just 7 miles north of the city, this 3,269-acre lake has 70 miles of shoreline and lots of areas that make excellent crappie breeding and living grounds. Be sure to troll the fallen timber areas along the steep banks and dropoffs, where many larger crappie tend to hold, especially as the waters begin to warm. The creek also has long bays and backwaters at the north end where crappie can be caught easily in the spring.
Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is commited to providing the best crappie fishing information possible. Get more information on Ohio crappie fishing here: http://www.askcrappiefishing.com
Source: ArticlesBase
http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/ohio-crappie-fishing-secrets-99793.html