Chances are you have at least heard of the Carolina Rig. If not, you have been missing out on one easy technique to catching your limit almost every time. Top anglers have used this little secret to win many a Bass tournament. Best of all, it is very simple to set up and implement. As with every rig and technique, all anglers have their preference-you will want to tweak this given different situations. Feel free to experiment with the different aspects of this rig.
I will try to keep this simple, and not too long-one could go on for pages about each aspect of this rig and the theories behind it. I will stick with the most basic set-up. You will need fishing line, a swivel, a bead, 3 feet of leader line, and your hook.
Starting with the main line coming from your reel, slide on the weight(3/8 oz.bullet weight will be sufficient in most cases)-You also can use an egg weight, depending on what type of cover you are going through. The bead will go on next-either glass or plastic will be fine. Some anglers feel the clicking noise this generates helps attract fish. Others just want the fish to pay attention to the bait, and only use the bead in conjunction with an egg weight. In this case, it is just to protect the knot from coming in contact with the sliding weight. After the bead is on, tie on a small barrel swivel- this will prevent the weight from sliding any closer to your bait. We then tie on a length of leader line to this. This can generally range from about 18-36". This will depend on how you are using this rig , and where the fish are at. A fishfinder(sonar) comes in pretty handy for determining where the fish are at, as well as how far off the bottom they seem to be staying. Now we just need to tie the hook on and we're all set.
Next time I will discuss the various methods of fishing this rig. Trust me, you are not going to want to miss this. This simple rig has helped me put countless Bass on the end of my line.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Friday, April 27, 2007
Fishing Artificial Worms
The plastic worm is one of the more dependable artificial baits for largemouth bass. There are "weedless" versions of this worm if you find yourself fishing in heavy vegetation. These come in a large variety of colors, some are even scented. You will find that depending on varying light conditions, Bass might favor one over the other. Always carry both dark and light colored varieties. You also will want to have an assortment of worm weights(Bullet weights). Select a worm weight based on the speed you want your worm to drop, current speed and thickness of vegetation where present.
You will want to work the worm slowly back along the bottom, or through cover by simply raising up the tip of the rod a couple feet, then allowing it to sink. Try to keep the line tight so you can feel the action as the fish begin to hit. Usually you feel a couple light hits before she decides to grab hold. Drop your tip and let the fish take out the slack before setting the hook.
If you are like me, you will soon find your favorite(lucky) worm. As a child I always would use a purple worm, with a white strip down its' back--and it couldn't be weedless! Since then I have learned to try a larger variety of artificial lures. All with varying success-But I still always carry at least one purple worm in my tackle box....
You will want to work the worm slowly back along the bottom, or through cover by simply raising up the tip of the rod a couple feet, then allowing it to sink. Try to keep the line tight so you can feel the action as the fish begin to hit. Usually you feel a couple light hits before she decides to grab hold. Drop your tip and let the fish take out the slack before setting the hook.
If you are like me, you will soon find your favorite(lucky) worm. As a child I always would use a purple worm, with a white strip down its' back--and it couldn't be weedless! Since then I have learned to try a larger variety of artificial lures. All with varying success-But I still always carry at least one purple worm in my tackle box....
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Customize Your Spinnerbait
Don't you hate those "short" strikes!
You seem to be getting hits, but that darn fish is just not grabbing hold. It can be very frustrating, believe me!
Well, the pros' have a little secret that can help out dramatically with this problem.
They like to add a trailer hook to their their spinnerbait. That bass might come up short on that first hook , but you will have a pretty good shot at snagging him with that second hook....
You don't need to only stop at one trailer hook on this set-up. Some of the Pros' have been known to use up to three trailer hooks!
-Next time your out on the lake and can't seem to get that big Bass to grab hold, try this little technique out--I can guarantee you will see a much better result--it certainly helped me out.
You seem to be getting hits, but that darn fish is just not grabbing hold. It can be very frustrating, believe me!
Well, the pros' have a little secret that can help out dramatically with this problem.
They like to add a trailer hook to their their spinnerbait. That bass might come up short on that first hook , but you will have a pretty good shot at snagging him with that second hook....
You don't need to only stop at one trailer hook on this set-up. Some of the Pros' have been known to use up to three trailer hooks!
-Next time your out on the lake and can't seem to get that big Bass to grab hold, try this little technique out--I can guarantee you will see a much better result--it certainly helped me out.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Cast Your Nets: Fishing at the Time of Jesus
As many of you know, the Bible references fishing/fish numerous times. Fish were, and still are one of the best sources of nutrition on our planet. It is a shame that we polluted our waters, putting fish and ourselves at danger--but that is for another blog....
I came across an article written by Elizabeth McNamer. The article was titled: Cast Your Nets: Fishing at the Time of Jesus. With Easter just behind us, I thought some of you might find this an interesting read:
Fish in Scripture
The importance of fish in the Bible is well substantiated. In the Book of Genesis, we find that fish are the first creatures to appear (1:2). They are the only species not taken into the ark, suggesting that they were self-supporting! In Leviticus we read of laws regarding which fish are kosher and which are not.
Descriptions of methods of fishing are given in the Book of Habakkuk: a hook, net and seine are used (1:15). Job sarcastically asks if one can capture a leviathan with a hook (40:25).
In 1 Kings, fish are associated with the wisdom of Solomon (5:13). In the Book of Tobit, Tobiah is told, “Cut the fish open and take out its gall, heart and liver and keep them with you...its gall, heart and liver make useful medicines ” (6:3-7). Later, Tobiah uses the fish gall to remove cataracts from his father’s eyes.
When Jerusalem was rebuilt by Nehemiah after the Babylonian captivity, a Fish Gate was built into its wall (Neh 3:3). Fishermen are mentioned by Jeremiah, when speaking of bringing back the Israelites from Babylon: “Look! I will send many fishermen, says the Lord, to catch them” (16:16). And a large fish prevents Jonah from going on his cruise of the Mediterranean and lands him back where he should have gone in the first place.
Jesus preached in terms of fishing, almost echoing Jeremiah when he says to Peter and the other fishermen: “From now on you will be catching men” (Lk 5:11). Two miraculous catches of fish are related in Luke 5:1-11 and John 21:1-8). All of the gospel writers attest that he fed thousands with fish and bread. He compares the kingdom of heaven to a dragnet (Mt 13:47-48). He paid taxes with a coin found in the mouth of a fish (Mt 17:27). Jesus is depicted as preaching from fishing boats and sailing in fishing boats. The crowds that followed him carried bread and fish (Mk 6:35-40). The hungry asked for fish (Lk 11:1). Jesus was given fish to eat after his resurrection in Jerusalem (Lk 24:42), and he cooked fish for his disciples on the shore of the Sea of Galilee (Jn 21:9). He traveled to and from places in the company of fishermen. And, most importantly, Jesus choose fishermen for the important job of spreading his word and building his church.
You can find the rest of the article here.
I came across an article written by Elizabeth McNamer. The article was titled: Cast Your Nets: Fishing at the Time of Jesus. With Easter just behind us, I thought some of you might find this an interesting read:
Fish in Scripture
The importance of fish in the Bible is well substantiated. In the Book of Genesis, we find that fish are the first creatures to appear (1:2). They are the only species not taken into the ark, suggesting that they were self-supporting! In Leviticus we read of laws regarding which fish are kosher and which are not.
Descriptions of methods of fishing are given in the Book of Habakkuk: a hook, net and seine are used (1:15). Job sarcastically asks if one can capture a leviathan with a hook (40:25).
In 1 Kings, fish are associated with the wisdom of Solomon (5:13). In the Book of Tobit, Tobiah is told, “Cut the fish open and take out its gall, heart and liver and keep them with you...its gall, heart and liver make useful medicines ” (6:3-7). Later, Tobiah uses the fish gall to remove cataracts from his father’s eyes.
When Jerusalem was rebuilt by Nehemiah after the Babylonian captivity, a Fish Gate was built into its wall (Neh 3:3). Fishermen are mentioned by Jeremiah, when speaking of bringing back the Israelites from Babylon: “Look! I will send many fishermen, says the Lord, to catch them” (16:16). And a large fish prevents Jonah from going on his cruise of the Mediterranean and lands him back where he should have gone in the first place.
Jesus preached in terms of fishing, almost echoing Jeremiah when he says to Peter and the other fishermen: “From now on you will be catching men” (Lk 5:11). Two miraculous catches of fish are related in Luke 5:1-11 and John 21:1-8). All of the gospel writers attest that he fed thousands with fish and bread. He compares the kingdom of heaven to a dragnet (Mt 13:47-48). He paid taxes with a coin found in the mouth of a fish (Mt 17:27). Jesus is depicted as preaching from fishing boats and sailing in fishing boats. The crowds that followed him carried bread and fish (Mk 6:35-40). The hungry asked for fish (Lk 11:1). Jesus was given fish to eat after his resurrection in Jerusalem (Lk 24:42), and he cooked fish for his disciples on the shore of the Sea of Galilee (Jn 21:9). He traveled to and from places in the company of fishermen. And, most importantly, Jesus choose fishermen for the important job of spreading his word and building his church.
You can find the rest of the article here.
Friday, April 6, 2007
Early Spring Bass Fishing
The warmer temperatures that will soon blanket the northern states brings forth some excellent early spring bass fishing opportunities. Often in the early spring you can load your boat with bass if you know where to find the fish and what lures to fish once you locate them. There are several techniques that you can employ to catch these lethargic fish in the early spring months just after the ice disappears from your favorite lake.
One of the first things you must do is locate fish in the spring is to locate the warmest water in the area of a lake that you are fishing. One of the easiest ways to determine this is simply by looking up and seeing where the sun is hitting the banks or use your temperature gage to determine where the warmest water is. There are several locations that bass seem to gather in the early spring months including rocky banks, bluffs, flats, and main and secondary points.
Steep banks such as rocky bluffs will hold heat better than any other type of structure and is easily fished. Fish will suspend off of these rocky bluffs or hold tight against the rocks. There are several techniques you can use to fish these locations, but the best technique seems to be is to fish suspending jerk baits, spoonbills, and crankbaits. To fish these suspending lures use a jerk, jerk, pause technique or a sweep then pause technique. I have found that the jerk, jerk, pause technique works better on the days where the sun is out and the water temperature is warming and the sweep then pause technique works the best when the weather is less than favorable. Also try pausing your bait for longer time periods often these fish will sit and watch a suspending lure for a long time period before deciding to strike. Your pause could be as long a 30 seconds or a short as a 2 seconds depending on how aggressive the fish are. There are two main ways to position your boat when fishing deep water bluffs, you can position your boat straight out from the bluff then cast in to the bank or parallel the bank casting along the bluff. If the fish are hugging the bank then paralleling the bank seems to work the best.
Large flats with wood is also a excellent place to find fish in the early months of spring since the wooded flats will hold heat and flats attract baitfish in the spring. The best flats are ones that receive the suns light during the afternoon hours. Fishing flats in the spring can be fantastic if the fish move up to feed and they can easily be caught with jerk baits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastic jerk baits. The fish that can be found on the flats are feeding on baitfish actively, and will often hit a faster moving bait. When fishing a spinnerbait on the flats make sure to bump every piece of structure that you can. This will often trigger a reaction strike from a bass that is lying on log, stump, or rock. When fishing a jerk bait on a flat use the jerk, jerk, pause technique to imitate a injured baitfish.
Main Points and Secondary Points are also excellent places to find bass in the early spring months. Fish will move to these locations to feed on baitfish that is attracted to the points. Fish generally suspend off these locations and can be caught with suspending jerk baits and spinnerbaits. Points with some type of structure such as a tree, stumps, chunk rock, or brush piles are excellent spots to load your boat with bass in the spring. Fishing can be fast and furious on points in spring due to baitfish randomly moving to the point which triggers the bass to feed all at once. If you hit a point that is holding bass you can easily catch tournament winning bag very quickly.
In conclusion, fishing in the early spring can be very rewarding and also can be very difficult to locate feeding fish. In the early spring months cold and warm fronts keep the barometer moving pretty regularly and can make fishing tough to say the least. However if you manage to get out on the lake when there is a steady warm front and use the techniques mentioned above you are sure to have a excellent day on the water.
Owner of Penns Ads which is a community guide for all of Central Pennsylvania where you can find and post classifieds, events, businesses, and more! Central Pennsylvania Community Page - Penns Ads
One of the first things you must do is locate fish in the spring is to locate the warmest water in the area of a lake that you are fishing. One of the easiest ways to determine this is simply by looking up and seeing where the sun is hitting the banks or use your temperature gage to determine where the warmest water is. There are several locations that bass seem to gather in the early spring months including rocky banks, bluffs, flats, and main and secondary points.
Steep banks such as rocky bluffs will hold heat better than any other type of structure and is easily fished. Fish will suspend off of these rocky bluffs or hold tight against the rocks. There are several techniques you can use to fish these locations, but the best technique seems to be is to fish suspending jerk baits, spoonbills, and crankbaits. To fish these suspending lures use a jerk, jerk, pause technique or a sweep then pause technique. I have found that the jerk, jerk, pause technique works better on the days where the sun is out and the water temperature is warming and the sweep then pause technique works the best when the weather is less than favorable. Also try pausing your bait for longer time periods often these fish will sit and watch a suspending lure for a long time period before deciding to strike. Your pause could be as long a 30 seconds or a short as a 2 seconds depending on how aggressive the fish are. There are two main ways to position your boat when fishing deep water bluffs, you can position your boat straight out from the bluff then cast in to the bank or parallel the bank casting along the bluff. If the fish are hugging the bank then paralleling the bank seems to work the best.
Large flats with wood is also a excellent place to find fish in the early months of spring since the wooded flats will hold heat and flats attract baitfish in the spring. The best flats are ones that receive the suns light during the afternoon hours. Fishing flats in the spring can be fantastic if the fish move up to feed and they can easily be caught with jerk baits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastic jerk baits. The fish that can be found on the flats are feeding on baitfish actively, and will often hit a faster moving bait. When fishing a spinnerbait on the flats make sure to bump every piece of structure that you can. This will often trigger a reaction strike from a bass that is lying on log, stump, or rock. When fishing a jerk bait on a flat use the jerk, jerk, pause technique to imitate a injured baitfish.
Main Points and Secondary Points are also excellent places to find bass in the early spring months. Fish will move to these locations to feed on baitfish that is attracted to the points. Fish generally suspend off these locations and can be caught with suspending jerk baits and spinnerbaits. Points with some type of structure such as a tree, stumps, chunk rock, or brush piles are excellent spots to load your boat with bass in the spring. Fishing can be fast and furious on points in spring due to baitfish randomly moving to the point which triggers the bass to feed all at once. If you hit a point that is holding bass you can easily catch tournament winning bag very quickly.
In conclusion, fishing in the early spring can be very rewarding and also can be very difficult to locate feeding fish. In the early spring months cold and warm fronts keep the barometer moving pretty regularly and can make fishing tough to say the least. However if you manage to get out on the lake when there is a steady warm front and use the techniques mentioned above you are sure to have a excellent day on the water.
Owner of Penns Ads which is a community guide for all of Central Pennsylvania where you can find and post classifieds, events, businesses, and more! Central Pennsylvania Community Page - Penns Ads
Friday, March 30, 2007
So You Want To Take The Kids Fishin'...
So you decided to take the family with you on your big day of fishing...Well, at least the kids are probably excited to go. Here are a few hints/tips to make this day enjoyable for everyone:
- Set up some ground Rules and Stress Safety--no running around with the poles and hooks flying, always look around before you cast--you know that type of stuff...let them know the dangers of these sharp little hooks...
- I used to take my two small boys fishing with me alone--I wouldn't recommend any more than one or two kids per knowledgable adult. Remember Safety first...
- If your children are young--you can pretty much forget about getting any fishing in yourself--Don't worry, you will still have a great time. Remember you are trying to show them the joys of this great sport. Between baiting hooks and taking the fish off the line you will have your hands full...
- Keep it as easy and simple as possible--try not to confuse the issue with any long, drawn out explanations--stick with the good ol' hook and bobber method--Kids love the visual aspect of the bobber, especially when the fish start to nibble and the bobbin' starts. Using livebait(worms) is probably the easiest way to insure a lot of action..
- I found it best to stay in the shallows for now-even just off the dock there usually is an ample enough supply of panfish to keep the youngsters excited-At this time, quantity outweighs quality--children tend to have short attention spans, and the constant hits will keep them drawn to their poles.
- I probably should have put this up a bit farther on the list, but you want to make sure it is a nice moderate day out--bad weather will certainly but a damper on the youngsters spirits, and too hot is not good either...and do not forget the sunscreen!
- I like to bring along a tape measure and camera on the trip. The kids enjoyed measuring their catch, and it brought a little competiton with it. This also helped them stay focused on fishing. Children will love to have a picture of their "big" catch--you know, to show their mom when they get back home, since she suddenly came down with a headache moments before you were due to leave for this big adventure...
- I always brought a large(5 gallon) bucket with me. I would let the kids decide if they wanted to keep their catch. Since they usually decided to keep them at first, I put them in the bucket. By the end of the day, most times they would change their minds. To insure the fish weren't harmed while confined, I used the bucket instead of a stringer. If your boat has a live well, you need not concern yourself with this point.
- Always show patience and have a great time!!!
Unique New Product! Perfect for that Rustic Bathroom!
In my quest to search out all things fishing/boating, I stumbled upon a most unique product. Personally, I have never seen anything quite like it, and I figured if you are an avid fishermen/women, you just might get a kick out of this. It most definitely would be a perfect addition to any cabin or rustic loghome. For more information on this cool seat, just click on the picture...
Got Custom Rods?
Hi, I just had to bring this to your attention. I have found perhaps the best rods made in the entire world. If you haven't tried these, you are doing yourself a terrible injustice--to put it lightly! You owe it to yourself to at least check them out--if these fishing rods are good enough for the pros, I think they might just suit you as well....
Kistler Rods are preferred by the best pros in the world.
You can find Kistler fishing rods in the hands of the best on and off the tour. For serious fishermen at all levels, it is easy to recognize the superior design, quality, and service offered by the staff at Kistler.
Check them out here!!
Kistler Rods are preferred by the best pros in the world.
You can find Kistler fishing rods in the hands of the best on and off the tour. For serious fishermen at all levels, it is easy to recognize the superior design, quality, and service offered by the staff at Kistler.
Check them out here!!
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Jet Skis(PWC) vs. the Fishing Community
While on the subject of the Jet Ski(or PWC-personal watercraft, if you prefer), I have something to add. --not much of a segue, but I am new to this whole blogger thing.
A real pet peeve of mine while out on the waters trying to land that elusive bass are the multitudes of Jet Skiers. Don't get me wrong, I personally love these little machines. They really are a blast, and I could ride one for hours at a time. The problem lies with the few that have no respect for anyone else out on the lakes at the time. They come whipping in, no matter what little secluded area you happen to be in at the moment. They have even gone so far as to spray me, knowing that I would never be able to catch them. I understand that some think this is relatively funny, but believe me, it most certainly is not at the time.-at least if you're the one being soaked... I have had many outings become a bust due to these mischevious creatures, and it seems to be on the rise in recent years. I understand that most of these stunts are being done by the younger generation, and no, I am not so old as to forget being there myself. So have your fun, but respect the rights of others. In addition, the increase in accidents have been steadily increasing with these watercrafts. Please be careful out on the water, do you really want to hurt yourself or others as a result of one of these foolish stunts?
Many states have passed several laws that are specific to just the PWC. Each state and region have their own laws, and it is your responsibility to know what these are. All owners and operators should review the local laws prior to going out on the water--that includes you teenagers as well. There are pretty steep fines for breaking these laws, at least around my area. One should take a safety course(no matter what your age) prior to operating these machines. With a simple online search, you can find out what laws pertain to the area in which you plan on operating your watercraft.
Please be respectful of others and ride safe. There is no reason why we all can't enjoy the lakes together this season.
A real pet peeve of mine while out on the waters trying to land that elusive bass are the multitudes of Jet Skiers. Don't get me wrong, I personally love these little machines. They really are a blast, and I could ride one for hours at a time. The problem lies with the few that have no respect for anyone else out on the lakes at the time. They come whipping in, no matter what little secluded area you happen to be in at the moment. They have even gone so far as to spray me, knowing that I would never be able to catch them. I understand that some think this is relatively funny, but believe me, it most certainly is not at the time.-at least if you're the one being soaked... I have had many outings become a bust due to these mischevious creatures, and it seems to be on the rise in recent years. I understand that most of these stunts are being done by the younger generation, and no, I am not so old as to forget being there myself. So have your fun, but respect the rights of others. In addition, the increase in accidents have been steadily increasing with these watercrafts. Please be careful out on the water, do you really want to hurt yourself or others as a result of one of these foolish stunts?
Many states have passed several laws that are specific to just the PWC. Each state and region have their own laws, and it is your responsibility to know what these are. All owners and operators should review the local laws prior to going out on the water--that includes you teenagers as well. There are pretty steep fines for breaking these laws, at least around my area. One should take a safety course(no matter what your age) prior to operating these machines. With a simple online search, you can find out what laws pertain to the area in which you plan on operating your watercraft.
Please be respectful of others and ride safe. There is no reason why we all can't enjoy the lakes together this season.
Michigan Anglers and Boaters: You are an important partner in preventing the spread of fish diseases and other aquatic nuisance species
Anglers and boaters can take some easy steps to prevent the spread of fish diseases and other aquatic nuisance species such as zebra mussels by taking the following steps to help prevent the spread of the virus:
- Clean boats, trailers, and other equipment thoroughly between fishing trips to keep from transporting undesirable fish pathogens and organisms, from one water body to another with special care to clean fishing equipment when you are done fishing known locations of the fish diseases. A light bleach solution is an excellent disinfectant for cleaning your equipment.
- After cleaning allow boats, trailers, and other equipment to fully dry for 4 to 6 hours in the sun.
- Do not move fish or fish parts from one body of water to another.
- Do not release live bait into any water body.
- Handle fish as gently as possible if you intend to release them and release them as quickly as possible.
- Refrain from hauling the fish for long periods in live wells if you intend to release them.
- Report unusual numbers of dead or dying fish to Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division offices.
- Educate other anglers about the measure they can take to prevent the spread of fish diseases and other aquatic nuisance species.
I found this article on the DNR website. With the fishing/boating season quickly approaching, I thought it might serve as a good reminder to all of us.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Spring is in the Air!
Attention all of you anglers, sportsmen, and just plain old nature lovers!
Spring is beating a fast path to our front door. The birds are chirping, squirrels are running about, even my dog seems to have an extra bounce in her step. The clouds have parted and gave way to a most glorious sun-filled afternoon. The ice will have melted off the lakes around here soon, and that means it is time to go fishing.
I know some of you hardcore anglers haven't missed a beat all winter. You faithfully bundled up each day, grabbed your gear and trekked on down the frozen tundra. Well, there's no more of that(at least until next winter)--for now we will focus on the more enjoyable aspects of this wondrous sport. Hopefully, with some help from all of you, we can share experiences and spread the good word about fishing. I know a lot of people have mixed feelings on the subject or think that it is just flatout boring. Well, we are here to change some minds and get families out there enjoying nature while forming closer bonds with everything that is.
Until next time.....
Spring is beating a fast path to our front door. The birds are chirping, squirrels are running about, even my dog seems to have an extra bounce in her step. The clouds have parted and gave way to a most glorious sun-filled afternoon. The ice will have melted off the lakes around here soon, and that means it is time to go fishing.
I know some of you hardcore anglers haven't missed a beat all winter. You faithfully bundled up each day, grabbed your gear and trekked on down the frozen tundra. Well, there's no more of that(at least until next winter)--for now we will focus on the more enjoyable aspects of this wondrous sport. Hopefully, with some help from all of you, we can share experiences and spread the good word about fishing. I know a lot of people have mixed feelings on the subject or think that it is just flatout boring. Well, we are here to change some minds and get families out there enjoying nature while forming closer bonds with everything that is.
Until next time.....
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