Going on a fishing vacation can be fun especially when you are fishing for bass.
Fishing a new lake or a new piece of water can be really exhilarating as well as down right frustrating.

Below are a few tips to help you on your way.

A good idea might be to hire a fishing guide, especially if you are new to the area.
He would be able to give good advice on where to fish, what time is best in a specific area and which techniques work well on that particular piece of water.The guide should also have an idea as to what sort of bait to use for a specific fish.

Another idea is to do some research on the lake or piece of water you are going to be fishing. You could read about the water in question in magazines or on a website. The more time spent now in learning where the best places are to catch the fish and with what bait the better the chances of having a good days fishing. Also go to the local fishing shop and ask some of the local fishermen where they have had their best days fishing and what tackle and bait they used.
Bass like to stay close to rocks, trees or similar places and in the mane will stay away from open waters, so if you do not get any other information here is a good place to start. Start with one bait and try for a while and if the fish are not biting, change tactics and try something different.

Sometimes the bass will be found in ledges or in intersections of water. These fish will go for a variety of bait, try artificial worms or a pumpkin seed colour.

Bass will very often stay close to their spawning area and this should be fished if at all possible. Try using spinners that are light in colour and fish them just under the surface to attract the fish.
When trying to catch bass cast your bait close to rock formations or shaded areas as well as trying different baits and tackle. Remember this is a vacation, so do not take it to seriously, relax and enjoy the time you have to fish ,it will soon pass and you will be back at work . What could be better than being out in the sun and fresh air with no work or mobile phones to distract you and catching a net full of fish? Oh heaven.

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Jeff Ryall runs a fishing website that focuses on information about fishing and fishing related products. You can enjoy reading tips, tricks and techniques about fishing at his site at www.fishermansfriend1.blogspot.com

Several countries,in the frozen north, practice a style of angling that is quite a bit different than any other form of recreational fishing. Ice fishing is a slow, sometimes dangerous sport that requires the angler to have patience and the right equipment

Ice fishing started in frozen countries such as Canada and Norway, but is not limited to these locations.

In fact some lakes in Alaska freeze thick enough to fish on. Like the name states, this form of angling can only occur on frozen lakes thick enough to sustain a lot of weight.

Traditionally, ice fishing equipment amounts to nothing more than a sturdy wooden pole, a long, strong piece of fishing line, hooked and baited, and a stool to sit upon for several hours. Also, some prefer to hunt with a sharpened wooden spear. Although his method is not as widely used or appreciated, the spear is another possible piece of ice fishing equipment.

But, there is more to ice fishing than sitting and waiting. The fisherman also needs to be able to cut a sufficient hole through the frozen lake to get to the water underneath. That’s where ice spades or ice saws, two specialized articles of ice fishing equipment, comes in. The fisherman uses these tools to cut a hole about five inches in diameter out of the frozen lake. A strainer is another piece of ice fishing equipment used to sift out newly forming chunks of ice within the hole.

There are a few different kinds of angling techniques that can be applied to ice fishing. The first uses small, fast lures and a keen eye, to catch smaller game. The second method requires a special piece of ice fishing equipment known as a ‘tie-up’. Using this method, the angler drags the multi hooked fishing line by hand until it strikes, thus, “tying” the fish in a web of hooks. The last method is the spear method, in which the fisherman places decoy fish at the top of the water in the cut hole, then waits until the perfect moment to strike.

As I stated above, ice fishing can be a dangerous sport. Water must be frozen to about four inches thick in order to support the average humans’ weight. Some times the ice is a bit thinner than four inches. Mistakes like misjudging the strength of the ice can be a potentially life threatening error. If one were to fall into a partially frozen lake, he or she would most likely die from hypothermia, if not properly taken care of.

So in conclusion, if you have sufficient knowledge and the right ice fishing equipment, ice angling can be a fun and fulfilling sport that people of all ages can enjoy.

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For more information on all aspects of ice fishing, and to download a free guide, visit The Fishermans Guide

Crappie fishing is literally a sport for all ages. Bass and Stripers put up such a fight that a small child or weaker adult may just simply not be able to get the fish in.

On the other hand, Crappie are often so gentle that you may have caught them before you even realize it. Because of the behavior of Crappie, no fancy equipment is needed. A simple cane pole, lightweight fishing pole, or even your son’s Snoopy pole will catch a Crappie. If the experience of catching fish is what you crave, the crappie will put up a small, but admirable fight with a lightweight pole. However, just because of the nature of the Crappie, you should not confuse Crappie with fish that easy to catch. Following a few steps is essential if you want to experience catching crappie.

You first have to make sure that Crappie are in the water in which you are planning to fish. This can be easily completed by visiting your local fish and game department, reading any outdoor magazines targeted towards your area, or visiting a local government’s website (they typically have links to game and fish websites)

After finding out that there is indeed Crappie in your area, then you must decide what the current behaviors of the Crappie will be. During the summer and winter, crappie form large schools near places with an ample amount of cover available. When Spring comes, they head towards their spawning grounds, which can typically be found in places that do not have much wind, and still provide an ample amount of cover. The hardest time to find Crappie is during the fall, because Crappie become somewhat unpredictable. They may be in woody cover 8 feet deep one day, and in open 30 foot waters the next day.

You may also want to find out what the Crappie’s diet is when you are researching.

If you are new to fishing, chances are you do not have all the equipment you need. For a beginner, pretty much any type of pole will due, including cane poles. It is all your preference. A variety of bait will allow you to play and experiment until you find what is right for you. Try some live bait (the type of bait fish you found that they eat in your area) and several types of artificial bait. You can visit your local bait shop, outdoors store, or even do your shopping online. Typically these types of stores have trained staff and research material available to aide you in finding what will work best for you.

Another idea you might consider is using a fish finder. A good fish finder will help you find Crappie, no matter where they are hiding.

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Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is commited to providing the best crappie fishing information possible. Get more information on how to catch crappie here: www.askcrappiefishing.com

Looking for the best fly fishing spots in the world? If you are planning on traveling the world looking for the best place to throw your line, then look no further.

There are some places that just cannot be beaten for their quality fishing experiences. Here are some. If you can, get there and enjoy the game. Nothing beats the beauty of the water and the thrill of catching the big one.

* Hampshire, United Kingdom- Here, you will be traveling to the southern part of England, just north of the channel. Here you have the place that the book, The Compleat Angler was written by Izaak Walton. This is where he made history some 300 years back.

* New Zealand’s, North And South Islands- Have you heard of Zane Grey? He found this area to be his very best angling. He nicknamed the place, “Angler’s El Dorado” and quite rightly so. The seasons are opposite than they are in the US making it a great place to go in the winter months.

* Let’s go to Canada- Labrado, Canada to be exact. This is probably the best place in Northern America to catch a good trout. Here, you will catch the same fish the colonist’s ate many years ago. That is of course the brookie (speckled trout.)

* More below-the-equator fishing- If you are dealing with winter at home, head south to Tierra del Fuego in Argentine for some very nice fishing of rainbow, brown and brook trout. You will have to stop and look at the beautiful surroundings too. You won’t regret the cost of a plane ticket here, that’s for sure.

* Go north- In the Alta, Norway, you will find some very large salmon to take hold of. You will find a wide range of fish here, but this is the place to go to catch the most abundant salmon in the world. You will be amazed at the quality of this fish in size and taste.

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Mike Singh is the publisher of www.1-stop-fishing.com/ On his website, he provides articles about alaska guided fishing trips and rainbow trout fishing canada.

Charter fishing is a great way to spend time with the family and friends cruising the water. Many people make good use of the fact that they have the possibility of chartering a very expensive boat for the day.

Most of us can not afford those high dollar fishing or party boats, so give the chance is a great experience. Charter fishing is very popular among deep-sea fishermen. Just about anywhere you choose to spend your fishing vacation you can find a charter fishing company.

Companies that provide charter fishing boats generally have a wide variety to choose from. Depending on the type of water, fish or entertainment you are looking for depends on the type of boat that you need to charter. Any charter company is generally very helpful with answering questions about the type and size of the boat needed. If comfort is what you are looking for you may want to charter more of a party boat. If fishing is the only thing you are going for than you may be able to charter a smaller, less fancy boat.

For those that are very serious about their fishing adventure there are a variety of features that can make the day a bit easier. Many of the charter fishing boats are equipped with items such as live wells, captain’s chairs, fish finders and much more. Many of us do not realize the importance of the features of a boat until we are in the middle of the water with no turning back. How comfortable the boat is certainly comes to life at that point. For those that are fishing chair is certainly nice. The ability to turn the chair is an absolute must when fishing. Captain’s chairs are comfortable and allow for a relaxing time that is easy on the back.

Boats that have a live well can assist in keeping your bait fresh to score the perfect catch of the day. Many of the charter fishing boats are also equipped with a trolling motor. A trolling motor allows for the boat to move through the water quietly, not scaring the fish away. Also the trolling motor can be used for dragging a net with bait to catch the fish. Fish finders are another great invention that can point you in the right direction of the perfect catch. Technology has taken fishing to a much higher level.

What ever you’re fishing desires you have the ability to use a charter fishing boat for your fishing vacation. These boats allow you to have all the luxuries of the high dollar boats without having the high dollar payment each month!

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For more information on all aspects of planning your fishing charter, and to download a free guide, visit The Fishermans Guide

When fly fishing you need a calm temperament, be able to switch off and keep repeating the same technique without getting frustrated. This is half the battle, the other half is the right equipment.

Of coarse you need sun glasses so you do not have to squint from the sun and maybe a hat but most importantly the tackle makes all the difference.

When choosing a rod, should you go for a modern composite graphite rod or an old fashioned bamboo rod? Should you choose a rod for one particular water or setting or go with a multi purpose rod. All these factors will come into the equation when choosing a rod to cast your flies. Talking of flies, this is another area where choice is important. Do you go for a dry fly or go for an insect replica. The colour of the fly could also be important, is there a colour for morning and a different one for night.
Another thing to think about is weather you want to learn how to tie your own flies or are you better off buying them already done.

The choice of rod and fly could also affect the decision as to what line you will use.
The type of line you use may be also be influenced by what fish you are fishing for, larger fish will need a heavier line as appose to smaller fish. You will have to decide on weather you want your line to float or sink, weather your fish feed on the surface or on the bottom.

Some anglers are quite happy to use a bomber or swim feeder, just cast their line out and relax on the riverbank and wait. Fly fishing on the other hand is much more a hands on approach; you need to be fully concentrated on the task ahead of you. Tackle decisions can make the difference between having a fantastic day and having a ordinary day.

Most fly fishermen take it very seriously; it takes patience, dedication and practice to become a good fly fisherman. Choosing the right rod can be very tricky, with lots of different people having different ideas. Below are a few choices to help you.

Fibreglass- A large number of rods these days are made from fibreglass, whether they are for fly fishing or regular fishing. The main downside of fibreglass rods is that they are heavier than graphite or bamboo rods which in turn could make your arm tired at the end of the day. Despite this they are able to take a lot of punishment which makes them a popular choice.

Bamboo- Many of the older fishermen will not here a bad word said about these rods. Of coarse this is just one persons opinion, but they were one of the first rods to be made and are still being made today. There is a lot that goes into making a bamboo rod and for this reason they can tend to be one of the most expensive.

Graphite- These tend to be quite stiff but that does not mean they are not effective.
These rods give good flexibility and are quite strong, they give good performance and they can vary in price difference and quality.

Reels are another important piece of equipment, the abel fly reel is considered one of the best around. A lot of parts are interchangeable from one reel to another making this a good choice. Also it does not matter if you are left or right handed as they can be converted easily from one to another.

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Jeff Ryall runs a sports website that focuses on information about sport and sports related products. You can enjoy reading tips, tricks and techniques about golf at his site at www.fishermansfriend1.blogspot.com

You want to get the fish in your boat once you catch it. But the question is how to go about it. Well, the following steps which will help you out in this situation.

Setting the hook is a very important step and you should take make sure that it is set in the right way. To lure the bass you can use a Treble hook. However upon striking the bass may not hook itself always. You need a solid impact and a sharp pointed hook to go through the strong jaws of the bass. Snap your rod back as the strike occurs and roll until the line becomes tight. Maintain a regular pressure on the fish; this will make the hooks penetrate further in the jaws.

However you should wait for some time before setting the hook in case of top waters. You may accidentally pull the lure away from the mouth of the bass and this will help the fish in getting away. Bass has the tendency to inhale the lure totally, so you must make a solid and strong strike so that the hooks are driven in properly. Spinner baits, plastic worms and jigs are some of the single hook lures. They must have a planned and strong hook set.

You must keep certain points in your mind while setting the hook. Sweeping back your rod after tightening down on the bass is of no use. Only the head of the fish will be turned by this. Your rod should be set between 10 and 11 oclock position the movement you feel the strike. Facing the fish you should put down the rod top quickly. With the help of a quick overhead strike snap the slack out of the line. After this you need to set the hook and set it with a powerful jerk in the upward direction. This is known as the slack line method and it should be used while setting the hook.

Setting a drag is important because the dragging of reel can lead to line slippage. Never adjust the setting of the drag to set the drag. Do not pull the line directly to the spool. Now, the reading of line pull which will be exerted by the lure will in an incorrect one. Before pulling the line, you need to adjust the drag. You can also attach a heavy object at the end of the line and then adjust the drag accordingly. Set the drag in such a way that it is not more than half of the pound test of the line.

Back reeling is a technique in which the handle of the reel is used to pay out or take-in as per the demand of the fish. It is a method to have the fish on the spinning reel. Drag is tightened down in back reeling. This technique may appear difficult to beginners. However it can be mastered after a lot of practice. The advantage of this method is that the twist of the line is reduced because you do not reel when the fish is pulling the line against the drag.

Now to land a fish you need a net but since the bass has no teeth, you can land it without using the net. The net may also damage the fish sometimes. There are two methods by which you can land the bass.

First method is known as the Net method. Bring the fish next to the boat. Make sure that you net is not knotted and then put it into the water. Generally the bass will swim into the net however you may need to draw the fish towards the net sometimes. Next bring the fish up with the help of a smooth and single motion. Avoid swiping at a bass which is not ready to come on to the boat. Also make sure that you do not net the fish downward.

Lip Landing is another method which you can use to land the bass. Bring the fish closer to the boat using a rod. The spring action of the rod will behave as a shock absorber if the fish tries to run. Reeling up a lot of line is not required. Adequate pressure needs to be maintained on the line. Rod should be drawn back over one shoulder. Next, pull the fish towards yourself. You need to press your thumb against the tip of the jaws if the mouth of the fish in closed. This step will lead to opening of the mouth. Now, compress the lower jaw of the fish between your thumb and forefinger. Use both hands to hold the jaw if the bass is big. Finally, lift the fish on to the boat.

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George Wood is a successful webmaster of many popular sites including niche and watches site. If you want to read more about fishing, click over to George fishing site.

Many people mistake bass fishing as an American pastime, but the truth is that there are other areas of North America that produce large quantities - and large sizes - of bass.

Mexico bass fishing is a great example of a virtually untapped resource for many avid bass anglers, and a vacation to Mexico for an exciting visit to one of the many lakes where Mexico bass fishing is best may be just the thing for these fishermen.

Probably the most famous Mexico bass fishing lake is Lake El Salto. It is 50 miles north of the Mazatlan seaside resort area and has a new lodge that is right on the water at one of several inns and resorts by the lake. For those who are not very experienced with bass fishing, there are several guides available on the lake to take you out to the hot spots where you’ll find trophy sized bass, as well as large quantities of fish for the catch. Look for great food and service at any one of the accommodations on the lake. When the lake first opened to the public for bass fishing, everyone was taking home their first trophy fish. The lake is full of big fish to fry, and crankbaits and topwater baits seem to be the preferred choice among anglers here for the best catch.

Lake Baccarac is another good choice for Mexico bass fishing. It was stocked in 1978 with several Florida largemouth bass and has thrived with the population ever since, considered a “dream” by many anglers. Considered a trophy lake, anglers rave about the sheer number of bass in the lake and never fail to pull out huge specimens that rank as trophies. Again, there is more than one lodge on the lake, and several of them offer first class accommodations to guests. However, if you are a minimalist, you can also camp out in certain areas around the lake. The lake is 25 miles long and 5 miles wide, surrounded by mountain peaks covered by lush, green trees, making it a natural haven of beauty as well as a fine fishing lake.

Take a trip to the Sierra Madre Mountains and discover some excellent Mexico bass fishing lakes, including Lake Huites. While not known for trophy sized productions, the lake is chock full of bass in large quantities, and most are of good size and quality. Or, if you want a longer fishing season, you can head down to Lake Agua Milpa in the coastal state of Narayit, where the lake has been opened up for Mexico bass fishing in March, April, and May. Recently stocked with largemouth bass from other area lakes, the population has begun to boom in this large lake. However, don’t take a net with you - they aren’t allowed. Of course, it doesn’t make much difference because the bass can be caught in droves during these early months of spawning season. Continue fishing through June and find heavy success due to milder temperatures than many other area lakes and long summer days.

Lake Guerrero is a fine location for Mexico bass fishing, with several lodges for travelers, including some that offer affordable bass fishing packages that include guided tours of the lake for a guaranteed catch, especially for novices. Aside from the fabulous largemouth bass fishing availability, you can also find good opportunities for bird hunting, if you so desire.

Several other lakes have been stocked recently to add to the number of Mexico bass fishing lakes that can draw tourists to the country, and over the next few years, these lakes will begin to thrive as well. The warmth of the Mexican climate is conducive to heavy spawning and fast growth for bass, as well as long lifetimes. While the United States has immeasurable opportunities for bass fishing, heading to Mexico for a vacation in an exotic country while still enjoying the sport you love can make for a great fishing excursion.

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

Fly-fishing is a form fishing that uses a different method of catching the species that live and breathe under water. The method is referred to as angling.

This method is used to target mostly trout and salmon. Recently the target list has extended to fish like bass, pike and carp. Historically fly fishing an ancient method of catching fish that originated in Scotland and Northern Europe.

There are many and various types of flies being used in fly-fishing. In modern fishing methods there are various types of fish being used to catch the designated target. The following is a list of types of fish; dry flies and emergers (for example midges or stoneflies), nymphs (for example mayflies or eggs and worms), streamers wet flies (for example buggers and leeches), saltwater flies (for examples sailfish and marlin), bass and panfish flies (for example crawfish and eels), salmon and steelhead flies (for example Atlantic salmon flies).

Certain gear is needed when fly-fishing. The first item on the list is fly rods, in which size and usage is important. It is important to match the fly rod with the fly line according to weight. Matching the weight of the two items is important to have positive casting results. The size of the fly rods can be anywhere from #0, #1, #2 and are used for the lightest trout and panfish rods up to powerful and heavy #16 rods for the largest saltwater game fish.

Another item needed for fly-fishing is a bamboo split cane. This allows for a better performance in the freshwater trout fishing situations. Synthetic fly rods are usually used and offer a greater versatility, stiffness, power and performance than a bamboo split cane. The advantages are that they are less expensive and require less maintenance. Finally, fly reels are manually operated. Although in recent years, more advanced models have been developed to deal bigger fish and more demanding situations. These models increase the drag and retrieval performance.

Fly-fishing is an ancient method of catching fish. It is more demanding because you are limited to the types of fish you can catch. You need the appropriate gear to catch the trout or the salmon. Today’s modern techniques used in fly-fishing have been developed to meet more challenging situations, such as bigger weight of the fish. These modern advancements prepare the fly fisherman to successfully meet his quota by using the methodology appropriately.

There are many popular locations for fly-fishing mostly in the Northern United States and Canada. Alaska is another popular place for the activity. Some places in the United States are Utah, Idaho, Colorado, Montana and California are just a few places.

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For more information on all aspects of planning your fishing, and to download a free guide, visit The Fishermans Guide

While schools of crappie tend to congregate in shallow lake areas, river crappie fishing can also produce a great catch if you know what you’re doing.

By following several tips, river crappie fishing, especially in the spring during spawning season, can offer a world of success, both in size and quantity of crappie caught. What should you do if you prefer to river crappie fishing to lakes? Here are some tips to finding the most and biggest slabs available.

First of all, when river crappie fishing, remember that this breed of fish don’t typically challenge the main flow of the river like larger, heavier fish. Instead, they will use eddies, slack water, and heavy cover to help them break the current and work their way upstream. These will be the best areas of the river in which to fish. Also, spawning occurs outside the current in areas that warm to between 66 and 70 degrees more quickly. Especially search through vertical cover that grows up from the river bottom above the surface, as this is a great place for crappie to stop and be held.

If you are in a slower moving river, crappie fishing is best in areas of brush and stumps, as these are the best holding areas for fish passing through. The actual nomadic movement of the pre-spawning season begins as the waters warm to about 62 degrees and becomes a bit muddy because silty water provides a quicker swim than clear waters.

One excellent way that you can take advantage of river crappie fishing is to search the tailwaters below the river dams. After moving up river, crappie will congregate in such areas and remain still for a while, offering an excellent opportunity for a huge turnout. The best rigs to take advantage of such waters are usually arranged from a combination of a jig and a minnow, using a leadhead that is heavy enough to get down into the current. Look in areas of heavy cover and structures that break the current, such as lock walls or sandbar edges.

Realize that, when river crappie fishing, you are not likely to have a hard bite. Soft strikes are common, especially among pre-spawn crappie, and you frequently will notice only that your line goes slack or that something doesn’t feel right. Often, you may wonder if you’ve only snagged on a leaf or stick, but be prepared to reel in anyway, as this is quite probably a catch. Make note of how deep that sinker was as you bring in the line, since it is also quite likely there is an entire small school of crappie here.

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Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is commited to providing the best crappie fishing information possible. Get more information on river crappie fishing here: www.askcrappiefishing.com