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Angling is oftentimes viewed as a lone pastime; a lone fishing fanatic departing from his house before daybreak on a bitterly cold late autumn day to seek out some discrete location next to a river, with his flask of coffee to keep him from numbing his hands. While that caricature is pretty true for a well known group of fishing extremists, it’s at the same time an extremely misrepresentative view of many other angling hobbyists who see fishing very much as a social activity, taking part in a social group while also a wonderful reason to travel the United Kingdom and internationally by participating in fishing trips.

Not only that, but fishing competitions are numerous – these being a tremendous excuse for people to get together and discover the latest fishing tips, while making a fantastic justification to go on a mini vacation. In point Of fact, some people say that angling is merely a reason to travel and meet people! Nevertheless, angling is nonetheless taken very seriously by a large number its enthusiasts and they’re propelled by the social scene primarily to find out more about angling via exchanging advice and tips with other people.

Over the last 10 years or so, the net has genuinely assisted in the growth of the fishing communities – via Facebook, Twitter etc, it’s now simple to organise or simply go to an angling contest or informal meet-up, while exchanging useful advice on forums and blogs.

And when it comes to your angling equipment, the net has certainly assisted anglers in hunting down the most suitable tackle, rod, reel, fishing baits etc due to the fact that these days you can equate with thousands of e-commerce websites instead of only being limited to their local fishing shop.

There’s nothing like the combination of the thrill of fishing and the solitude of ocean kayaking.

Don’t you think ocean kayak fishing sounds wonderful? Anyone can do it, not just professional kayakers! All that is required is the right kind of kayak and you can be on your way. Imagine floating in your kayak in the middle of the ocean, having an enjoyable day of fishing. It could be you! It is important to have basic kayaking skills for this kind of kayaking activity. The only difference between fishing in your back yard, fishing in your kayak and fishing in the ocean is the kind of kayak.

It is certain that you will find that ocean-style kayaks cost much more than other types of kayaks. You want to be sure that you buy a good kayak, because the ocean can be a dangerous place if you do not have the best equipment. Ocean kayaks are easy to find, but they may be hard to select among. Choosing a kayak is a difficult decision unless you are well-informed. Knowing what is required is important. It makes your decision so much easier.

Ocean-style kayaks are very much more durable than other kayaks. Ocean kayaks are built for comfort and speed. They have tall backrests because of the type of waves you will come in contact with. There also are a more storage places that are great to keep your fishing gear and other equipment in so you do not dump them in the water.

Ocean kayaks can be bought at most kayak dealers and ocean-fishing stores. They cost a bit more but are a worthy investment. When you have bought a great ocean kayak, you are ready to begin your fishing adventures. Kayaking is a wonderful way to fish. It makes for a relaxing and enjoyable trip wherever you go. Now’s the time to start catching those huge ocean fish.

You can find great deals, tips and news, information and reviews about canoes and kayaks at CanoesAndKayaks.info.
This article can be reproduced in full as long as the resource box and live links remain intact. Copyright www.canoesandkayaks.info.

Introduction

Many of the people about to take one of my guided trips don’t believe that Catfish feed as aggressively as other game fish. People are used to throwing out their bait and letting it set while they wait. Some days this works and they don’t have to wait very long, but some days we all know that the wait can be very long. This waiting is what encouraged me to try to catch Blue Cats using other methods. Some techniques are passed down from generation to generation and these tried and true methods have caught Catfish since people have fished for them. I have used these methods most of my life and it was the way I was taught to catch Catfish. On the opposite end of the Cat-fishing spectrum, however, are two newer methods that I have been using to consistently catch Catfish, as well.

Fishing for Catfish

Ah, the American Catfish! The big three: Blues, Channel Cats and Flatheads; aren’t they a wonderful species of fish? Each one has its own outstanding features to thrill Catfishermen and women throughout the United States and even worldwide. Flatheads, with their big, wide heads and flat tails, have my vote as the hardest pulling fish pound-for-pound in fresh water. No Catfisherman can talk very long without telling their favorite Channel Cat story.

Channel Cats live almost anywhere in fresh water and eat an enormous variety of baits, from prepared stink baits to live baits. I believe these whisker fish are the most versatile and adaptive members of the Catfish family. The next Catfish member, the Blue Cat, also commonly called a White Cat, gets my pick for the best all around, year-round Catfish. This is also the fish I target with my non-typical Cat-fishing techniques. Although Channel Cats and Flatheads are caught using these techniques, Blue Cats remain the king in mass numbers. These dudes grow big and fast and will strike your bait with a vengeance. Plus, they pull hard in the Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall.

The Blue Catfish

The Blue Cat is truly an amazing fish. I have caught these fish as deep as 96 feet at the bottom of a river channel in cold water
conditions. I have also seen them come right up to the top and smash a school of shad just as a Striper or White Bass would do in warm water conditions. As far as I can tell, these fish feed aggressive all year, which in my opinion sets them apart from Flatheads and Channel Cats. Reports of Blues falling for lead spoons, jigs, crank baits, and many other artificial lures are not uncommon any time of the year. The other Blue Cat bonus is their size, growing much larger than Channel Cats and a smidge larger than Flatheads. That makes your chances of catching a Blue Cat over 20 pounds a big time reality. Fish over 50 pounds are not that hard to find in reservoirs and rivers that have had time to produce that size of Catfish.

These fish grow to be over 100 pounds – it’s the exception and not the rule, but it does happen. That’s the beauty in setting up and fishing for Blue Cats: your next fish might be 1 pound, 51 pounds, or 101 pounds.

Make sure to read Part 2 and 3 of this article to learn about Capt. Jeff’s non-typical techniques!

Copyright © 2002-2005 Jeff Williams

You have permission to publish this article free of charge as long as you are not selling it and that you include the author bylines immediately visible with the article and, if published in an electronic medium such as on a web site, you provide a link back to www.ozark-lodges-fishing-trips.com in the author bylines, both where the web address is listed as well as well as with the text “Lake of the Ozarks Catfish Fishing Guide Service”…

Jeff Williams runs a Truman Lake Hybrid Bass and Lake of the Ozarks Catfish Fishing Guide Service offering lodging and guided trips in Missouri. To book a trip, learn more tips, or find out how Capt. Jeff would fish your own local waters, call 1-866-HOOKSET or visit http://www.ozark-lodges-fishing-trips.com today!

Everyone who fishes either for sport or fun knows that while fishing itself is simple, catching fish is not. There are times when we think we have it all figured out, then days go by without as much as a nibble. What has happened, did we lose our expertise? Are the fish getting smarter? Maybe it’s the weather. In fact there are many factors that weigh into whether we are catching fish or just passing time. Even though there are many factors, I would argue there are only 3 main parts to pouring ourselves the perfect fishing cocktail. Since drink names such as “Sex on the Beach” and “Fuzzy Navel” have already been taken, may I suggest “Fish on a Hook?” The drink may be made with any combination of the ingredients. They do not have to be of equal parts, but to make a “Fish on a Hook” all 3 must be present. So put your barkeeper’s hat on and let’s start.

The first part of our drink consists of bait selection. Now I can hear you out there, “I can think of at least 10 factors which go into catching a fish.” This is true, but many are just sub-factors of choosing the main ingredients. For part 1 of our drink, we must ask questions like; “Who is our customer?” and “What do they like?” If our cocktail is being served in a high class restaurant or club, we need to use top-shelf liquor only. This will of course cost more, but that’s what these customers want. On the other hand, if we’re drinking at the local pub and money is of concern, cheaper brands of the same liquor may do the trick. Some will like their drinks made strong, others will want a better tasting, yet lower in alcohol version. Now, what does any of this have to do with the price of tea in china? KNOW YOUR FISH. Does it like jumping for top-water lures, or picking at slow moving soft baits across the bottom? What’s its main source of attraction? Some fish are attracted by sight to bright flashy objects, while others tend to follow their nose. Not only knowing what the fish like, but knowing when they like it, as well as adjusting for water temperature and weather conditions are also important factors to consider. A little research goes a long way in picking the right bait. This is a great start but we’re not quite ready to start drinking yet.

Part two of the “Fish on a Hook” recipe is technique. There are many techniques available in creating the perfect drink; “Shaken not stirred” is just one. Drinks can also be made hot, cold, or frozen. Fishermen also use varying techniques in their efforts. Whether quick popping a top water lure, fly fishing, or slow reeling through the vegetation, many of the same sub-factors which go into bait selection are also relevant here. We must consider the aggressiveness of the fish, whether they are active or lethargic. Their location,in open water or along the bank,is important in choosing the appropriate technique. “What bait am I using?” is of course another important element. Getting thirsty?

Some will say you don’t need this final part to make a “Fish on a Hook”, that if you poured the first two parts just right, number 3 is unnecessary. I beg to differ. The third and equally important ingredient is luck. There I said it. Good or bad, weekend warrior or professional angler, everyone needs a little. Ever been fishing with a buddy using the same bait and same technique, yet you are catching fish and they’re not, or vise-versa? What’s the difference? Is it that there’s more fish on his side of the boat or a few feet down the bank? Perhaps, but I say it is luck. It’s either good for you or bad for him, but it’s luck just the same. Some need half a glass, some just a splash to take the edge off, but like I said, everyone needs a little.

There you have it. Mix bait selection with technique,add some luck ,and there you have a perfect “Fish on a Hook”. Tasty isn’t it? “Wait a minute,” you say, “it can’t be that easy.” “What about fishing gear?” “What about my fish finder and GPS?” “What about my rod selection and reel choice?” – Valid questions all. I just make the drinks; you have to decide how to serve them. “Will that be in a tall or short glass?” “Straight up or on the rocks?” “With salt or without?” … you get the point. Personally, I’ll take mine any way you make it.

M. L. Kilby is a part-time writer and website administrator for: HTTP://bluelaketackle.com. He along with his father are avid fishermen who own and operate Blue Lake Tackle, LTD.

Man’s best friend.

Who better to share time with when out on a fishing trip than….

….Man’s best friend.

I don’t know about your dog but any number of the pooches I have had in my lifetime have never had the ability to throw a five weight line let alone handle a level wind reel.

Something about the lack of opposable thumbs, has been a real handicap in making our faithful canine companions the perfect fishing partner.

Nonetheless, many a fishing trip has been made with either my dog or a bi-ped friends dog along for the experience. For me, dogs have always added to almost any outdoor experience, whether it be hiking, camping,bird hunting,mountain biking,or skiing.

Fishing, on the other hand is somewhat a different story.

In my mind, I have always dreamed of having that perfect pooch, the one that walks calmly by your side, curls up and takes a nap while you endlessly cast over and over for hours to trout filled waters. A dog that yawns, stretches, wags his tail and comes over to give your catch a sniff and a lick before you release your finny playmate back into his natural habitat.

Nice dream.

I don’t know about you, but most of the fishing/dog fishing experiences I have had– have not exactly fallen into the Hallmark special dog category.

More like a Mel Brooks comedy.

My dogs have usually been somewhat overexuberent in their fishing adventures, doing happy things like:

1)Running at breakneck speed and leaping into a fshing hole–especially one that you have belly crawled or “stealthily” snuck up on so as to not spook the fish– and then swam around in it, thanking you for finding such a wonderful place to cool down from racing up and down the banks. Most dogs I have had really love the water, in fact, I used to have a Husky that would swim halfway out into the river, pretty much scaring away any fish in a three county area.

2)Eating dead fish carcasses, which invariably lands your dog at the vets office, where six hundred dollars later, “mans best friend” does not so much as offer one thin dime or learn a small trick that might land you a spot on Letterman, so you can recoup some of your costs.

3) Rolling in dead things–or worse! Nothing like having your dog find something good and rank, up to and including animal excrement, giving a good roll in it, and then coming to snuggle up with you while you try to cast.

4) The old tangle up the line trick. Sure, most of the time you can’t get your dog calm enough to sit by your side, but want him to give you some room to cast a fly line, and he will walk on, over and through your line until he has some sort of Chinese string puzzle created, that only a nine year old girl can undo. Better yet, he will “sniff” around right in your backcasting zone until you eventually land a #6 Green Butted Skunk deep within his fur.

5) Speaking of Skunks. Nothing like the eye jarring, nose alarming smell of a two in the morning skunk rendezvous. Your faithful friend is mighty proud that he has saved the fish camp from the nightime intruder. This is especially enjoyable when you yell at the top of your lungs for him to get back in the tent–and then yell at the top of your lungs for him to get BACK OUT of the tent.

This has happened to at least four different dogs, and has left my camping rig and gear smelling like skunk for months. We have even given the old “tomato juice” baths right on the bank of the river before, which only makes the dog smell like a skunk pizza. Not to mention, the bath scene which resembles some sort of sickening bloodletting ritual–which induces calls to 911 from nearby campers.

The dog also usually likes this new man/dog bonding ritual and of course wags his tail profusely while self indulging himself in a virgin Bloody Mary, thereby splattering you with most of the tomato juice.

6) Fish wrestling. For the most part, your dog can care less about your fishing experience, usually wandering about looking for any of the aforementioned fun things to do. On the off chance you can concentrate long enough to actually catch and land a fish, and suddenly he is on top of your fish licking, tooth tagging, and generally treating your catch like a s”squeaky toy”.

If the fish is lucky enough to make it back into the water, he is sure to swear off eating worms for the rest of his days.

7) Dog flatulence. Do I really need to say anything else??

These are just a few of the many pleasures of fishing with your dog, and I am sure you have some interesting stories yourself.

Man’s best friend?

You bet. There is still nothing better than the companionship of our cold nosed, cow patty breathed, furry friends.

And any good fishing tale I have ever heard has been enhanced by the presence of the TAIL of man’s best friend.

Happy Tails To You….

A.J. Klott

Author, writer of fishing humor,and “fly tack” peddler.A.J. writes about the people,characters and modern day events that surround the fishing world. His first book is due out in December of 2005.
If you need a laugh or a fun gift, visit his website at:
http://www.twoguyswithflys.com

Many people look at me weird when I step on a pier at night and I have a little tackle box a bucket and a bait cast rod and reel. Well, that’s all I need for night fishing at my favorite spots. I look at other anglers and you can see that they have there 15 gallon tanks filled with water and shrimp ready to fish the night away. Well that’s all fine and dandy, but when the bite is on, this can become troublesome. I have seen many occasions where the person that has artificial will out fish the guy with the live shrimp.

Why? Anglers can cover more areas with artificial and change the depth of there lure when needed. Live bait takes longer to setup and get your new bait into the water. Just think about it.
Cast your live bait into the water, then wait until something comes along and decides it wants to swipe at your bait. Well, wile the bait is now dead, the fish loose interest in the bait and swims away. Now you are faced with the fact that you have to put another live bait on the hook to try to get more fish. So back to the same process. Cast, sit, wait and finally you have caught a fish. Ounce you bring the fish in, you take it off the hook and then grab another live victim, but ooops!!! It slips out of your hands. Now while you are fumbling trying to get your live bait back in your hands and into the water.

The guy with the little tackle box and fake lures has thrown 15 cast and caught 4 fish to your 1 fish. See the difference? You waist time and fishing water when you have live bait. Don’t get me wrong, I use live bait mostly when the conditions are ruff. High wind, cloudy water clarity, inactive fish and my favorite, the stubborn picky fish. These factors play a major role into picking live or fake bait. I also like to use lures when I am doing a quicky fishing trip. A few cast of the fake bait and that’s all I need. Although having a combination can be good to have on a night fishing trip. It can also create more tackle to carry and more things to worry about. If you don’t need live bait to catch your favorite fish, then don’t buy it. You can save money buying less live bait and buying your favorite lure to fish with.

Ty Wagner is the owner of http://www.texasfishinghome.com and loves to fish with his little tackle box filled with his favorite lures.

Successful Fishing: The mysterious “e” Factor.

There has always been a strange, and to this day, unsolved mysterious theory in the fishing world.

My wife knows of this theory and she thinks I am crazy, paranoid, and maybe even a little hard up.

The theory is based on secrets that have been held by a small but priveleged group of men, who have sworn secrecy and taken blood oaths, in order to keep the modern societies from crumbling.

I reveal this secret at great peril and with no apparent regard to the ramifications that may take place, out of an act of final frustration.

I am tired of getting outfished by my wife!!

I see you there, looking puzzled and confused–but let me explain.

I first started noticing, what I will call the “e” factor– back in 1976.

Fishing for Brown trout in the Eastern Sierras of California, I always did relatively well, catching numerous 19 and 20 inch fish. My, then girlfriend and soon to be wife, would join me on fishing/camping trips and always seemed content to let her man “bring home the bacon”.
I would arrive back at fish camp and proudly display to her my ability to be a “provider”, while she in turn would humor me with her admiration. Occasionally, she would tire of the camping scene and would ask to join me in the hunt for Browns. Confidence in tack and bolstered by her admiration, I would always say sure–figuring she wanted to witness “her man” in action.

I would catch a few fish and she would let me bait the hook and give her pointers.
“Just throw it upstream a little bit, let it drift right in there—yeah there ya go- give it a little slack–let him take it innnn…. NOW SET THE HOOK!!”

Oh, she would act excited and further bolster my confidence. Now I was also a great guide and instructor!!

Then I would go back to fishing, kind of tap her on the head and say: “There, just keep doing that.” She would fawn over me and I would strut cocksure back to my fishing hole.
Pretty soon she would be squealing –”OOH I have another one!”

I would walk over and remove the fish, and before I could wipe my hands off she would be back in the water,and catching more fish. I am sure you can understand that this would get old after awhile….so I would then instruct her on the removal of the fish, so I could go back to “providing”.

The “e” factor would now mysteriously appear.

Nada, nothing, kotonashi!! Not even a bite–for me that is.
Meanwhile, the “squealfest” continued over on the little misses pole.

I would put special twists in the bait, concentrate like David Copperfield trying to bend a spoon, and toss in to the very spot I instructed her to fish in, and the results would be the same.

She would squeal and I would give her an insincere “atta girl”. Of course pretty soon she would tire of catching fish, give me a bouyant- practically flipant- “Oh, I’m getting tired,” and bound off back to camp leaving me to clean HER fish and haul them back to camp. I would seethe and “bear down”, determined to at least catch a bigger fish–but after awhile- I would be so wound up from failure, that I would steam back to camp completely demoralized.

My” girl”, would then go into damage control, and work to bring my confidence level back up, with the usual ” I was soooo lucky, I’ve never caught fish like that before…”

Right.

Since that time, the same cause and effect has occured too many times to be a coincidence. I fish, she comes along and outfishes me.

AND–It was not just with her. If I happened to be fishing in the same boat or locale with the female species present, I would always get outfished. It got to the point where if I saw a woman or if my wife was fishing, I just resigned myself to playing cribbage or “guiding”–so to speak.

After twenty years or so of this trend,and after talking to most other fishermen, I realized this was not just happening to me. So, like unlocking the DaVinci code and after examination of years of evidence I am here to reveal the secret.

Estrogen.

Yes, the “e” factor, is the female hormone–estrogen.

What else could it be??

For centuries, wise men have known this and kept it a well guarded secret. Women will always outfish men….because of the”e” factor.You can change sides in a boat, throw your fly or bait into the same water, or sabotage her equipment–the results will always be the same, women will outfish men. Unless she fakes it. Of course a woman would never do that!!

Right.

Why do fish react to the “e” factor?

I have no idea. But some tiny little estrogen tricle charge, carries through a fishing rod,down the line and past the hook, sending some sort of message to the underwater world that makes it impossible for a fish to resist. Estrogen should be outlawed as an unfair fish attractant!!

Paranoid—my eye!!

So there you have it. What happens next is up to society.

Women may take to the sea in boats named after their men– left tearfully at the dock.

While we men folk prepare the evening fare and tidy camp–women could be out until dark wrestling large salmonids, and complaining of the loss of good daylight.

While we complain about our spouses at “Bunco night”, our ladies will be tying and trying new combinations of chenille and fur!!

…And we’re not talking fashionable clothing here!!

We can’t even count on menopause to level the fishing playing field anymore.Women are having estrogen replacement therapy–under the guise of better health– to keep their fish catching superiority from diminishing!!

I know I have been irresponsible here, and like “Deep Throat” from the watergate era, may not realize the way history has been altered, but the frustration was just to great.

Why speak now??

Well… the increase in the number of women that are taking up fly fishing, and fishing in general, is getting astronomical and growing at an alarming rate. So, the only hope is to make an appeal to the more sensitive side of the female species, and ask that they back down. They need to understand that they have an unfair advantage, in the “e” factor, and we men have sooo little left….please let us have the fish!!!!

That’s it…that’s my appeal, and I can only hope that women everywhere will respond positively to this cry for help, and we men can brim confidently once more.

Until then, I have begun estrogen replacement therapy myself…. I’ll be damned if I will continue to be outfished by my wife!!

A guys got to do, what a guys got to do….

A.J. Klott
Author, writer of fishing humor,and “fly tack” peddler.A.J. writes about the people,characters and modern day events that surround the fishing world. His first book is due out in December of 2005.
If you need a laugh or a fun gift, visit his website at:
http://www.twoguyswithflys.com

Port Renfrew is a small Canadian town with a major fishing
problem. The problem is the sport fishing is great and only
a few people know that.

We arrive in Port Renfrew in late afternoon. Captain
Quigley greets us at the entrance to Osprey Cabins. Quigley and his family provide these comfortable cabins in a
beautiful rural setting – and there’s an outdoor hot tub to
boot! Their place is one of the most popular accommodations in Port Renfrew, and their rates are very reasonable.

Captain Quigley is one of the most skilled and knowledgeable guides we’ve ever met. We’ve been out with the affable “Capt’n Quigs” before, at his other fishing operation in Sooke, BC. (45 minutes west of Victoria), so we know we’re in good hands!

The alarm shatters our solid sleep at 5 a.m. We’re on the
water by 6:00. The sun is just coming up behind us as we
speed westward, heading towards the mouth of the San Juan Inlet. Quigley’s boat is fast and powerful. We hang on
to our seats as we bounce over the big waves!

We stop just off Camper’s Bay, where the West Coast Trail
from Port Renfrew meets the “Pacific Ocean” for the first
time. The shoreline cliffs were spectacular and carved into
numerous huge dark caves.

Captain Quigley points over the port side towards the open Pacific. “Next stop Hawaii, and that way, Japan!”

The water is as calm as it ever gets out here, but the
rolling swells are huge. The sun is shining brightly now,
but cool dark fog is already rising from the water, cloaking
the cliffs. It looks like the trees are suspended in the air
far above us.

Captain Quigley tells us we’re sure to catch some big ones
today. Swiftsure Bank, where Juan de Fuca Strait drops off
into the deep blue Pacific, is where halibut and salmon are
most plentiful. It’s hard to believe we’re fishing on the
edge of the open Pacific Ocean.

The first one I catch is a screamer! They call it that
because it grabs the bait and takes off. The line literally
’screams’ as the fish runs. Quigley knows what to do. He
puts the boat in gear and chases the fish. My eyes almost
pop when I look down at the reel and there are only about 3 wraps of line left! In seconds, the fish has run almost 300
yards of line. I reel as fast as I can until the line’s
tight again and the fight’s back on.

Non-stop excitement, boats all around us are getting strike
after strike. On Quigley’s radio, we can hear the guides
sharing information about their catches – “Double strike, 40
feet down!” They all share their success so everyone else
can succeed too.

Even when there’s a lull, and the fish aren’t biting,
Captain Quigley is entertaining us. He teaches us his latest
fish-luring chant and the accompanying dance: “Chinook,
Chinook – Bite on my hook, my hook!” There’s never a dull
moment on board.

And when the fish are biting, Quigley is a very patient
teacher: “Let him run! That’s it… He’s got the whole boat to
play with. Let him tire himself out…”

Later, Quigley tells us a story about the biggest fish ever
landed on his boat. He had taken an elderly couple on an
expedition, and it was turning out to be a disappointingly
uneventful day – not one bite! Until they decided to turn
back….

Then, all of a sudden, they got a nibble. It was a huge
struggle, but with Quigley’s help, they reeled it in – a 52
pounder! Now that’s a really big salmon. It went on to win
several categories in the fishing derby.

We catch our limit long before the charter’s over, each fish
is in the twenty-pound range. We had about 100lbs of fish on board, enough to feed us all winter! (We were fishing for
spring salmon as the Coho and Sockeye fisheries were
temporarily closed.)

When I made dinner that night, back in
Victoria, one fillet filled the grill on my barbeque! Five
people dug in and there was 2/3 left over! We’re talking
serious salmon here, folks!

Small town, big fishing problem – right? Now you know.

by Ron Kirstein, edited by Lisa Cole

Ron Kirstein is owner of a travel & tourism website, http://tourismmall.victoria.bc.ca, a tourism directory for Vancouver Island. Ron has built the site and has gathered information, being a tourist on Vancouver Island for the last 30 years. Enjoy the benefits of Ron’s research for your holiday on Vancouver Island. Ron is an educator, communications specialist and web designer.