Posts Tagged ‘Techniques’

How to Catch Bass in Virginia. Location, Techniques, etc…

Virginia bass fishing is one of the most popular sports practiced in this state. It is enjoyed by all types of anglers from the beginner to the professional. Virginia is well-known for its spotted bass, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass. One reason bass fishing is so popular is because they feed very aggressively.


They are one of the most active species of fish around and once that take the bait they will give you quite a fight. Therefore, bass fishing is fun, entertaining and exciting. Virginia has many areas where the scenery is beautiful and the bass fishing is excellent. You will find the largemouth, smallmouth, stripped and spotted bass in the waters of Virginia.


The largemouth bass got its name for good reason. Did you know that it can actually open up its mouth so wide that it could swallow its own head? Not everyone knows that they are able to do this. The reason it is possible is because the upper jawbone stretches past their eyes creating a wide range of motion. They usually are not very picky about what they eat either so you can catch them with just about anything.


The smallmouth bass very rarely weighs more than five pounds and their mouths are much smaller than that of the largemouth bass. Theirs eyes usually have a red or orange tent to them and they will have dark vertical bars on both of their sides. The smallmouth bass is very strong for their size and they are normally even more active than the largemouth bass.


The stripped bass were introduced to several of the freshwater impoundments in Virginia and in many cases adapted well here. When left to peacefully swim the waters of its home, the striped bass can live up to a full thirty years. They can mostly be found in the deeper parts of the water that is usually located in the middle of the lakes. Strippers will also eat most anything they can get in their mouths but their favorite food seems to be shad.


The spotted bass look similar to the smallmouth bass but they have spots on the lower parts of their sides instead of vertical bars and they have a single dark spot on their gills. All species of bass are territorial and considered to be predatory. What this means is that they will usually strike at anything that evades their space, even if they are not hungry.


Below are a few of the best locations for bass fishing in Virginia to give you an idea of where to begin when you are visiting Virginia that are excellent for bass fishing. Many of these are surrounded by beautiful scenery that can make your fishing trip an adventure to remember. Some locations also have other activities for the non-fisherman in the group making Virginia an excellent place for the whole family to go bass fishing. You also have the potential to catch many bass of various sizes here so it is perfect for the serious angler as well.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best bass fishing information possible. Get more information on bass fishing in Virginia here: http://www.askbassfishing.com/

Source: ArticlesBase
http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/how-to-catch-bass-in-virginia-location-techniques-etc-447454.html

Tags: Techniques, Virginia

Fishing Tips and Techniques for Catfish of the USA

Catfish are common in American waterways, fun to catch and delicious as table fare.

Channel catfish are the most abundant of the North American catfish species. They usually weigh 2-4 lbs, occasionally reaching weights of 40 pounds or more. Channel catfish are easily distinguished from other species, except blue catfish, by their deeply forked tail fin. They are olive-brown to slate-blue on the back and sides, with silvery-white on the belly. Channel cats can be caught using a variety of natural and prepared baits including crickets, nightcrawlers, minnows, shad, crawfish, frogs, sunfish, suckers and “stink baits”.

Blue catfish are the largest American catfish. They grow faster and live longer than channel catfish. Blue catfish grow to over 55 inches long and can weigh over than 100 pounds, living 20-25 years. Adult blue catfish have stout bodies with prominently humped back in front of the dorsal fin. They have deeply forked tails similar to channel catfish, but lack spots and have a large straight edged anal fin. The back and upper sides are blue to slate gray, and the lower sides and belly are white. Blue catfish are primarily large-river fish, occurring in main channels, tributaries, and impoundments of major river systems. When fishing for trophy catfish anglers use live baits including bluegill, perch, large shiners or other bait fish.

White catfish are another American species. White catfish are bluish-gray with white undersides, broad head, large mouth, stout build and moderately forked tail. Their white chin barbells distinguish it from other species of catfish. White catfish occasionally reach lengths up to 24 inches and weigh 6 pounds but a typical fish is around 12-14 inches. White catfish are found in fresh and brackish waterways of the Atlantic Coast from New York to Florida, including the Chesapeake Bay and its system of rivers, creeks and streams.

Several species of bullhead catfish live throughout North America, with 3 species being well known. They are similar in appearance, but easy to distinguish from non-bullhead species due to their squared tail and stocky build. Black bullhead have dark chin barbels and lack mottled markings on their sides. Brown bullhead have mottled sides and light margins on their fins. The common yellow bullhead are distinguished from other species of bullhead by their yellow or off-white chin barbels.

Depending on the region, bullheads may be referred by a variety of common names including bullhead catfish, bullheads, mud cats, pollywogs, pollies, river catfish, horn pout and others. Black, Brown and Yellow bullhead catfish prefer slow moving or still waterways but will tolerate a variety of habitats, including muddy water and low oxygen levels. They rely primarily on sense of smell to find food which consists of almost anything, alive or dead.

Bullhead catfish can be caught with the same techniques that are commonly used for other catfish. They are easily enticed with worms, hellgrammites, stink baits or cut baits fished on the bottom. they make excellent table fare and are a good choice for anglers that enjoy simple relaxing fishing for edible fish.

Large catfish are sometimes caught by “noodling”. Noodling is done by wading in water and inserting a hand down into holes under mud banks, rocks, or inside of hollow logs. Using bare hands as bait, the noodler wiggles their fingers in the hole in hopes that they find a large catfish. If the noodler is lucky, a monster catfish will strike and attempt to swallow their hand. The noodler then must pull the fish out onto land or onto a waiting boat without being pulled under water.

Catfish can be skinned and filleted, with the resulting flesh being white, mild tasting and suitable for a wide range of cooking methods. They are one of the most commonly discussed fish products online and plenty of cooking ideas are available by finding a seafood blog. The following recipe is for a classic meal of deep-fried beer-battered catfish.

Beer Battered Catfish

1 lb. catfish fillets
1/2 cup flour or seafood breader mix
1 egg (beaten)
1 bottle beer
1 small onion (minced)
1 cup vegetable oil
salt and pepper to taste

In a medium mixing bowl blend flour, salt, and pepper or use seafood breader mix.

In a separate medium mixing bowl beat egg well, add beer and minced onions, mix well.

Cut the catfish into 2 inch cubes or strips.

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep-fryer or skillet.

Roll the catfish into the coating, then dip into the beer-egg mixture, then back into the flour mixture.

Place dipped catfish in heated oil, cooking until golden brown.

The author is an outdoor enthusiast, web designer and owner of several outdoor websites including Fresh Seafood, Virginia Saltwater Fishing and Chesapeake Bay.

Source: ArticlesBase
http://www.articlesbase.com/fishing-articles/fishing-tips-and-techniques-for-catfish-of-the-usa-1628909.html

Tags: Tips, Catfish

Fishing Tips and Techniques for Catfish of the USA

Catfish are common in American waterways, fun to catch and delicious as table fare.

Channel catfish are the most abundant of the North American catfish species. They usually weigh 2-4 lbs, occasionally reaching weights of 40 pounds or more. Channel catfish are easily distinguished from other species, except blue catfish, by their deeply forked tail fin. They are olive-brown to slate-blue on the back and sides, with silvery-white on the belly. Channel cats can be caught using a variety of natural and prepared baits including crickets, nightcrawlers, minnows, shad, crawfish, frogs, sunfish, suckers and “stink baits”.

Blue catfish are the largest American catfish. They grow faster and live longer than channel catfish. Blue catfish grow to over 55 inches long and can weigh over than 100 pounds, living 20-25 years. Adult blue catfish have stout bodies with prominently humped back in front of the dorsal fin. They have deeply forked tails similar to channel catfish, but lack spots and have a large straight edged anal fin. The back and upper sides are blue to slate gray, and the lower sides and belly are white. Blue catfish are primarily large-river fish, occurring in main channels, tributaries, and impoundments of major river systems. When fishing for trophy catfish anglers use live baits including bluegill, perch, large shiners or other bait fish.

White catfish are another American species. White catfish are bluish-gray with white undersides, broad head, large mouth, stout build and moderately forked tail. Their white chin barbells distinguish it from other species of catfish. White catfish occasionally reach lengths up to 24 inches and weigh 6 pounds but a typical fish is around 12-14 inches. White catfish are found in fresh and brackish waterways of the Atlantic Coast from New York to Florida, including the Chesapeake Bay and its system of rivers, creeks and streams.

Several species of bullhead catfish live throughout North America, with 3 species being well known. They are similar in appearance, but easy to distinguish from non-bullhead species due to their squared tail and stocky build. Black bullhead have dark chin barbels and lack mottled markings on their sides. Brown bullhead have mottled sides and light margins on their fins. The common yellow bullhead are distinguished from other species of bullhead by their yellow or off-white chin barbels.

Depending on the region, bullheads may be referred by a variety of common names including bullhead catfish, bullheads, mud cats, pollywogs, pollies, river catfish, horn pout and others. Black, Brown and Yellow bullhead catfish prefer slow moving or still waterways but will tolerate a variety of habitats, including muddy water and low oxygen levels. They rely primarily on sense of smell to find food which consists of almost anything, alive or dead.

Bullhead catfish can be caught with the same techniques that are commonly used for other catfish. They are easily enticed with worms, hellgrammites, stink baits or cut baits fished on the bottom. they make excellent table fare and are a good choice for anglers that enjoy simple relaxing fishing for edible fish.

Large catfish are sometimes caught by “noodling”. Noodling is done by wading in water and inserting a hand down into holes under mud banks, rocks, or inside of hollow logs. Using bare hands as bait, the noodler wiggles their fingers in the hole in hopes that they find a large catfish. If the noodler is lucky, a monster catfish will strike and attempt to swallow their hand. The noodler then must pull the fish out onto land or onto a waiting boat without being pulled under water.

Catfish can be skinned and filleted, with the resulting flesh being white, mild tasting and suitable for a wide range of cooking methods. They are one of the most commonly discussed fish products online and plenty of cooking ideas are available by finding a seafood blog. The following recipe is for a classic meal of deep-fried beer-battered catfish.

Beer Battered Catfish

1 lb. catfish fillets
1/2 cup flour or seafood breader mix
1 egg (beaten)
1 bottle beer
1 small onion (minced)
1 cup vegetable oil
salt and pepper to taste

In a medium mixing bowl blend flour, salt, and pepper or use seafood breader mix.

In a separate medium mixing bowl beat egg well, add beer and minced onions, mix well.

Cut the catfish into 2 inch cubes or strips.

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep-fryer or skillet.

Roll the catfish into the coating, then dip into the beer-egg mixture, then back into the flour mixture.

Place dipped catfish in heated oil, cooking until golden brown.

The author is an outdoor enthusiast, web designer and owner of several outdoor websites including Fresh Seafood, Virginia Saltwater Fishing and Chesapeake Bay.

Source: ArticlesBase
http://www.articlesbase.com/fishing-articles/fishing-tips-and-techniques-for-catfish-of-the-usa-1628909.html

Tags: Catfish, River Fishing

Ice Fishing: Advanced Techniques : Using a Fish Finder in Ice Fishing


Locate fishes with in a fish finder. Learn how to triple your ice fishing catch rate in this ice fishing lesson from an experienced fisherman. Expert: Gabe Gries Bio: Gabe Gries has worked for federal and state fisheries management agencies for more than 14 years. He has two degrees in fisheries biology. He has fished extensively in the northeastern United States. Filmmaker: Christian Munoz-Donoso

Tags: Fishing, Advanced

Ice Fishing: Advanced Techniques : Determining Jig Location in Ice Fishing


Drop ice fishing jig all the way to the bottom, then work your way to the surface. Learn how to use your ice fishing jig in this ice fishing lesson from an experienced fisherman. Expert: Gabe Gries Bio: Gabe Gries has worked for federal and state fisheries management agencies for more than 14 years. He has two degrees in fisheries biology. He has fished extensively in the northeastern United States. Filmmaker: Christian Munoz-Donoso

Tags: Advanced, Fishing

Ice Fishing Tips & Techniques : Ice Fishing Tackle Box: Hooks & Sinkers


Try organizing your ice fishing gear by size or color. Learn how to organize your tackle box in this ice fishing lesson from an experienced fisherman. Expert: Gabe Gries Bio: Gabe Gries has worked for federal and state fisheries management agencies for more than 14 years. He has two degrees in fisheries biology. He has fished extensively in the northeastern United States. Filmmaker: Christian Munoz-Donoso

Tags: Techniques, Fishing Videos

Ice Fishing Tips & Techniques : Unfreezing Jig Rod Line in Ice Fishing


You can’t ice fish if your line is frozen! Learn more troubleshooting tips in this ice fishing lesson from an experienced fisherman. Expert: Gabe Gries Bio: Gabe Gries has worked for federal and state fisheries management agencies for more than 14 years. He has two degrees in fisheries biology. He has fished extensively in the northeastern United States. Filmmaker: Christian Munoz-Donoso

Tags: Line, Tips

Common Techniques, Equipment, Baits for Striped Bass Fishing

Fishing for striped bass, or striper, as they are commonly called, is similar to fishing for large or smallmouth bass, but there are differences you should consider as well, if you want to have a really rewarding experience as you fish for striper.


While large and smallmouth bass characteristically leap from the water and attempt to get the hooks out of their mouth, when you have them on the line, striped bass usually remain in the water. Striped bass are usually larger fish, and they often put up a heck of a fight, and are extremely exciting to catch because of this fighting spirit and large sizes.


If you are wanting to catch striper, one thing you will need to remember is that they are very unpredictable. They tend to cover a large area of water, and your best bet for targeting them is to look for their feeding grounds. They love live and dead fish such as shad, so if you look in the natural habitat of their bait, they will likely be found.


They tend to like clear water, which makes it easy to spot them, but also tends to make it easier for them to spot you. Avoid spooking them and sending them into deep water by slowing your approach to their feeding ground.


Most experienced striper fishermen agree that using fresh bait is a good idea if you want to catch striped bass. Some good choices are:

Crankbait

Shad or other similar cut bait

Anchovies

Herring

Shrimp

Gizzard

Bunker or menhaden

Shiners

Plugs

Spoons


Another important factor when you are fishing for striper is water temperature. If you are fishing summer, just troll deeper. If you are fishing winter, move to shallower depths. In the winter, you will even be able to see the striper hitting the surface of the water. If you use a depth finder, the best way to locate your target is always to find the bait fish and troll just above them.


During the spring spawn, target the extremely shallow rivers and streams. In lakes, look for estuaries and bays as well as structures, inlets, and the banks around bluffy areas.


Sometimes, when you are fishing cooler weather months of the year, ballooning is a good technique to use to catch striper. Because of the tendency for striper to feed near the surface, in shallow waters. If you have never tried ballooning, this could be an ideal time for you to experiment with that technique. To balloon, you will need to construct a float rig. Just tie a small balloon to about six to ten feet of line, so that it will hang just above the bait fish. There is no need for using a weight, but you should use a barrel swivel to prevent the line from getting tangled and twisted. You can also use corks that have colored lights on them if you are fishing dark weather.


When it comes to equipment for catching striper, it is always best to use a good quality line that is strong. These fish are big, and they are tremendous fighters. Your line is going to take a beating. Look for weak spots in your line and test your knots, before you have a “big one that got away” story to tell.


The most commonly used rig for catching striper is a big sinker attached to a slider, a three inch leader, and 9/0 hook.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best bass fishing information possible. Get more information on striped bass fishing here: http://www.askbassfishing.com/

Source: ArticlesBase
http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/common-techniques-equipment-baits-for-striped-bass-fishing-422872.html

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Tags: Bass, Techniques

Chesapeake Bay Saltwater Techniques – Charter Boats, Fishing Piers and More

Anglers fishing in the Chesapeake Bay might choose to fish from charter boats, piers, inlets, bridges, or along the shoreline. The wide variety of saltwater fishing locations throughout the bay allows anglers of any age, sex or physical condition a chance to enjoy the sport.

Charter boats are popular options in most saltwater fishing areas. A good local charter boat will provide anglers with a safe, enjoyable experience. Charter boats are typically larger than private boats and can usually accommodate 6 or more anglers. Most Chesapeake Bay fishing charter boats are available from early spring thru December.

Especially popular with Chesapeake Bay anglers are fishing charter trips for striped bass, also known as rockfish. These fish can be very large and are often found in large schools. Once the striped bass season closes in the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Beach fishing charter boats are able to continue fishing in the nearby coastal waters.

Pier fishing is very popular in parts of the bay. Beginners will feel very much at ease and many piers have a family atmosphere and lots of people willing to help each other learn. Pier fishing tackle is inexpensive and simple to use. Common items to bring on a pier trip might include a cooler, ice, drinks, snacks, sunblock, insect repellent, knife, bait, rags, pliers, rod and reels, tackle, and a camera. It’s a good idea to use a pier fishing cart to transport all this gear onto the pier.

Calling ahead to commercial piers is one way to find out where fish are biting. Anglers can also check regional websites for pier fishing reports and tips. Several Virginia fishing piers are found in the lower Chesapeake Bay, many in the Hampton Roads area.

Shoreline fishing can be very productive in the Chesapeake Bay. Depending on the season, location and species targeted, anglers may fish with one or several types of cut baits, live baits or with artificial lures. Anglers use light rods and spinning or conventional reels and often carry sand spikes to hold the rods and a cooler on wheels called a fishing buggy. Chesapeake anglers fishing from the shoreline catch rockfish, croaker, white perch, spot, trout, drum fish, catfish and other species.

Some anglers catching their own live baits for fishing in the Chesapeake Bay. Popular bait catching equipment includes cast nets, sabiki rigs, seines, dip nets, minnow and fish traps and umbrella nets. These options allow anglers to catch live bait such as shrimp, crabs, squid, silversides, glass minnows, mummichugs, spot, pinfish, pigfish, ballyhoo, herring, shad, eels and other small fish suitable a live baits or to store or use immediately as fresh baits.

The author writes for outdoor websites including Virginia Beach Virginia, Hampton Roads Virginia and Chesapeake Bay Charter Boats.

Source: ArticlesBase
http://www.articlesbase.com/fishing-articles/chesapeake-bay-saltwater-techniques-charter-boats-fishing-piers-and-more-1153939.html

Pacific Bay Camo EVA Fishing Rod Grip Set - Blue White
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Tags: Boats, Saltwater

Coveted Striped Bass Fishing Techniques

Striped bass fishing can be a competitive sport, and while your techniques for catching these monstrous fish need to be perfected, you should never forego fishing etiquette to get your trophy fish. So, amid several other boats on a very warm summer’s day where everyone is shooting for the same results, keep in mind your fishing etiquette and practice your striped bass fishing in a considerate manner.


Striped bass fishing is best in mid summer during warm weather, especially in the northeast, since this is the only time of year when the lakes get warm enough for the general population to sit up and take notice. Striper are out in large numbers, and you can find some real bubbas to take home as well, with lots of trophy sized fish coming out of the woodwork. The problem is, everyone else is trying to do the same thing at the same time. So, if striped bass fishing for big fish is only good when the water is a nice 70+ degrees on the surface, and that means boating in a crowd, what can you do to make sure that you are not offensive to other people? What does it mean to observe fishing etiquette?


First of all, realize that striped bass fishing is all about being territorial, which means that regular anglers out on the lake are going to arrive earlier than the general crowd. Therefore, they will already be holed up in their little area of the lake that they consider a hot spot and have a lot of faith in for catching big bass. As you seek out your own little nook in the lake, fishing etiquette requires that you do everything possible not to disrupt these fishermen who are already parked.


Making sure you don’t disturb them involves several aspects, including passing by without taking up anchor in their area, not passing too closely so that your boat doesn’t spook the bass in their hot spot, and pass at a moderate speed to disturb the waters as little as possible. If you decide to anchor too closely to someone who has already taken possession of a cove or inlet, you are seen as competition, which is not very welcome, especially during this most productive season. Passing too closely can spook the bass in the area where the fisherman has already weighed down, since bass have sharp hearing, a notable sense of touch to detect movement, and are easily spooked.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is commited to providing the best bass fishing information possible. Get more information on striped bass fishing here: http://www.askbassfishing.com/

Source: ArticlesBase
http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/coveted-striped-bass-fishing-techniques-149081.html

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Tags: Coveted, Striped