I have been angling for catfish for a long time now and I am getting a reputation as a bit of an expert which leads to many people to ask for tips on catfishing. Over the years I have given many different tips but in recent times they have always been the same. I will admit that the phrase is not mine but I believe I was the first to apply it angling. The advice I give is "location, location, location".
All the other elements are important but secondary to finding the right place in the water to fish. This is especially true if you are fishing in the daytime when the catfish will be "holed up" somewhere and not venturing far to feed. The important thing is that they will feed if the bait is presented to them properly. No catfish can refuse an easy meal day or night; this is particularly true of the Channel catfish.
Therefore having the right bait or lure, presenting it correctly, fishing at the right time in the right season are all important but will not have the effect on your level of success as fishing in the right place. Without a doubt recognizing in which cover the catfish are lying is by the most important factor. You can have right tackle, the right bait but if you're fishing where there aren't any fish will guarantee that you catch will be very poor. Having everything wrong but fishing where the fish are will give you a chance to catch fish. So the thing to concentrate on getting right is identifying where the fish are most likely to be.
If you think like a catfish it will give you a great advantage. If you were a catfish where would you hide waiting for food? The first thing is where in the water is the food - the bait fish, the small mollusks, leeches, shellfish, carrion (most catfish are scavengers) etc. Now where would the catfish lie in wait without being spotted? Holes in the bank, rocks, obstructions, log piles fallen trees are all places where they could hide.
Obviously it is more difficult for you as you can only view the terrain from the bank (or boat) not in water. But there are many signs that can be seen from the bank that will give you the clues to decide where the fish are most likely to be.
In rivers the bends are a good place to start looking. The force of the water on the outside of the bend starts to wear it down and creates holes. Obstructions to the current on the outside of a bend will cause counter currents and slack water this is a good place for small fish to rest and therefore a good place for catfish to seek prey. Fallen trees will be the home for a large variety of aquatic life and feeding catfish. In rivers all obstruction will cause resting places for small river life and will be attractive places for catfish to lie in wait. These will include rock dikes, boulders etc.
The same principles are true for lakes and ponds, but there are other things to look for. The wind battered lake shore will receive considerable plankton driven by the wind. The small fish will follow and the catfish will follow the small fish. Yes I know it's more difficult to cast into the wind, but you will be more successful. Also you should look for boulders, fallen trees, etc because they provide cover for all aquatic life and there will draw the fish. You should examine manmade structures that have been built to protect the bank these will also be good hiding places.
To be consistently successful at catching the larger catfish you require all the aspects of catfishing to be right. The bait the presentation, the timing but first is to locate the catfish. But start with my 3 tips on catfishing success - "location, location, location".
Ben Field has been catfishing enthusiast for many years and now is considered an expert. For more great information on catfishing, and details of his free email couse visit http://www.catfishingskills.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ben_A_Field
Friday 8 July 2011
Tuesday 28 June 2011
For Trophy Fish Try Flathead Catfishing
The Flathead catfish is one of the monsters of the catfish family. Due its great sporting prowess and good eating qualities it has been transported and are now established throughout the USA. Flathead catfishing is the pursuit of the monster fish as it is the easier of the giants, the other being the Blue, to catch mainly due to its great appetite. Named after their distinct long flat head, their oval-shaped eyes are flat, the lower jaw protrudes beyond their upper jaw and they come in various shades of mottled brown and yellow. They are true monster with catches in excess of hundred pounds being recorded in the larger rivers and lakes and it is thought that they can grow to exceed one hundred and fifty pounds.
The Flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris is known by many names including the shovelhead catfish, yellow catfish, mud catfish and Opelousas catfish.) It is a true native of the USA originating in the Mississippi and is now found across the nation. They prefer deep waters that have good hiding places such as fallen trees, logs, rocks and holes so they thrive in rivers and streams that are large and slow-moving and in lakes and ponds.
In some areas Flathead catfish are being called an intrusive species (i.e. a species that when introduced endangers the indigenous species of the area) and they have been known to destroy the populations of some fish in smaller bodies of water where they have been introduced.
OK enough about the fish's characteristics - how can we catch them? Flatheads prefer to seek their prey by sight and therefore feed throughout the day as much as they do at night. However they can be lured by flash lights at night coming to feed on the smaller fish that are attracted by the light.
During the day they will lie up in the bank holes or other hiding places such as log-jams, tree stumps and rocks. In large lakes and reservoirs, look for the big Flatheads in areas with lots of cover -- like submerged brush piles, fallen trees etc.. You will probably have to try several baits, but Flatheads definitely favor live baits, but will eat anything if it is easy for them. Although you should try a number of depths normally the bottom of the river or lake is the best place.
In rivers let your bait drift under overhanging edges of the bank and then holding for a while has proved to be an effective strategy. In lakes and ponds cast gently as close to the likely hiding places as possible and then hold as still for up to thirty minutes before reeling in the bait and then try another spot.
At night Flathead catfish will use the old channels of the reservoirs and lakes to journey to the shallows where they will feed on the small fish that gather there. Though you may need depth equipment to establish these channels they can be a very productive.
If you are after trophy fish there is be no better quarry than the Flathead catfish for sport, but as they grow larger their eating qualities definitely deteriorate.
Ben Field is a catfishing enthusiast and expert. For more information on Flathead catfishing, visit http://www.catfishingskills.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ben_A_Field
The Flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris is known by many names including the shovelhead catfish, yellow catfish, mud catfish and Opelousas catfish.) It is a true native of the USA originating in the Mississippi and is now found across the nation. They prefer deep waters that have good hiding places such as fallen trees, logs, rocks and holes so they thrive in rivers and streams that are large and slow-moving and in lakes and ponds.
In some areas Flathead catfish are being called an intrusive species (i.e. a species that when introduced endangers the indigenous species of the area) and they have been known to destroy the populations of some fish in smaller bodies of water where they have been introduced.
OK enough about the fish's characteristics - how can we catch them? Flatheads prefer to seek their prey by sight and therefore feed throughout the day as much as they do at night. However they can be lured by flash lights at night coming to feed on the smaller fish that are attracted by the light.
During the day they will lie up in the bank holes or other hiding places such as log-jams, tree stumps and rocks. In large lakes and reservoirs, look for the big Flatheads in areas with lots of cover -- like submerged brush piles, fallen trees etc.. You will probably have to try several baits, but Flatheads definitely favor live baits, but will eat anything if it is easy for them. Although you should try a number of depths normally the bottom of the river or lake is the best place.
In rivers let your bait drift under overhanging edges of the bank and then holding for a while has proved to be an effective strategy. In lakes and ponds cast gently as close to the likely hiding places as possible and then hold as still for up to thirty minutes before reeling in the bait and then try another spot.
At night Flathead catfish will use the old channels of the reservoirs and lakes to journey to the shallows where they will feed on the small fish that gather there. Though you may need depth equipment to establish these channels they can be a very productive.
If you are after trophy fish there is be no better quarry than the Flathead catfish for sport, but as they grow larger their eating qualities definitely deteriorate.
Ben Field is a catfishing enthusiast and expert. For more information on Flathead catfishing, visit http://www.catfishingskills.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ben_A_Field
Monday 27 June 2011
5 Things You Must Know About Using Catfishing Baits
Most fishing enthusiasts never consider how crucial their catfish baits are when heading out to the local fishing hole. If not appropriately handled, you could be wasting your time and effort trying to land a catfish. Whether fishing from the bank or the boat, it is important that you are using catfishing baits properly. There are plenty of ready-made baits available in the market these days and even some natural ones commonly available in the wild outdoors but if not used properly you are more likely to land pure frustration and not a fresh catfish.
So, here are the 5 things you must know to help you get the most out of your baits and make that big catch.
It all starts with timing
It is crucial to know and understand the best time of the day for catfishing. Technically, you can go catfishing at anytime of the day but for maximum reward for your effort I would recommend fishing early in the morning or late in the evening. Just like most animals, these species come out in the morning to hunt for food. They usually stay near the bottom of the river or lake in the day and come out again for food in evenings and night.
Use seasons and weather as baiting strategies.
Rainy days and overcast clouds are excellent times for to go catfishing. The rainclouds can create early morning like conditions, mid day and evening to look the same so you can enjoy catfishing all throughout the day. Catfishing is popular during the fall and spring when the water levels are high and the catfishes are highly active.
Keep the bait still
This may sound obvious but it is surprising how many beginners make this mistake. It is crucial that you keep your bait as stationary and still as possible. This will improve your chances of attracting catfishes into your bait. Ideally, you don't want the bait moving or bouncing. Be observant of the water current or something that sticks out of the water. To find out if there are fishes in the area, throw a fresh sad head. If you do not get a bite in the next thirty minutes, go find a new spot.
Find the hot spots.
You may have the best bait in the world; but if you don't position it in areas where the catfishes are located, it will just sit in water, lollygag and fall apart. Look for places where the catfishes will likely hide. If you are fishing on a creek or river, find a bend where there could be an overhang. Catfishes love to hang out in these areas as it offers them safety. They also commonly lurk behind deep holes and sunken logs. Follow water currents for you to spot deep channels. Learn more about the waterways before embarking on a fishing journey to know river entry points, alcoves and other areas where you can find these species.
Use the appropriate hooks.
Make sure the hook you are using isn't too small or too big for the cat that you are targeting. Trial and error would be a good approach. If the hook is too large, the catfish will not be able to get the hook in its mouth and will nibble around your bait. Using catfishing baits properly will ensure a highly productive catfishing trip.
John G Garrett is an avid Catfishing enthusiast and expert. For more expert tips on Using Catfishing Baits, visit http://www.howtocatchcatfishsecrets.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_G_Garrett
So, here are the 5 things you must know to help you get the most out of your baits and make that big catch.
It all starts with timing
It is crucial to know and understand the best time of the day for catfishing. Technically, you can go catfishing at anytime of the day but for maximum reward for your effort I would recommend fishing early in the morning or late in the evening. Just like most animals, these species come out in the morning to hunt for food. They usually stay near the bottom of the river or lake in the day and come out again for food in evenings and night.
Use seasons and weather as baiting strategies.
Rainy days and overcast clouds are excellent times for to go catfishing. The rainclouds can create early morning like conditions, mid day and evening to look the same so you can enjoy catfishing all throughout the day. Catfishing is popular during the fall and spring when the water levels are high and the catfishes are highly active.
Keep the bait still
This may sound obvious but it is surprising how many beginners make this mistake. It is crucial that you keep your bait as stationary and still as possible. This will improve your chances of attracting catfishes into your bait. Ideally, you don't want the bait moving or bouncing. Be observant of the water current or something that sticks out of the water. To find out if there are fishes in the area, throw a fresh sad head. If you do not get a bite in the next thirty minutes, go find a new spot.
Find the hot spots.
You may have the best bait in the world; but if you don't position it in areas where the catfishes are located, it will just sit in water, lollygag and fall apart. Look for places where the catfishes will likely hide. If you are fishing on a creek or river, find a bend where there could be an overhang. Catfishes love to hang out in these areas as it offers them safety. They also commonly lurk behind deep holes and sunken logs. Follow water currents for you to spot deep channels. Learn more about the waterways before embarking on a fishing journey to know river entry points, alcoves and other areas where you can find these species.
Use the appropriate hooks.
Make sure the hook you are using isn't too small or too big for the cat that you are targeting. Trial and error would be a good approach. If the hook is too large, the catfish will not be able to get the hook in its mouth and will nibble around your bait. Using catfishing baits properly will ensure a highly productive catfishing trip.
John G Garrett is an avid Catfishing enthusiast and expert. For more expert tips on Using Catfishing Baits, visit http://www.howtocatchcatfishsecrets.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_G_Garrett
Friday 24 June 2011
5 Things You Must Know About Using Catfishing Baits
Most fishing enthusiasts never consider how crucial their catfish baits are when heading out to the local fishing hole. If not appropriately handled, you could be wasting your time and effort trying to land a catfish. Whether fishing from the bank or the boat, it is important that you are using catfishing baits properly. There are plenty of ready-made baits available in the market these days and even some natural ones commonly available in the wild outdoors but if not used properly you are more likely to land pure frustration and not a fresh catfish.
So, here are the 5 things you must know to help you get the most out of your baits and make that big catch.
It all starts with timing
It is crucial to know and understand the best time of the day for catfishing. Technically, you can go catfishing at anytime of the day but for maximum reward for your effort I would recommend fishing early in the morning or late in the evening. Just like most animals, these species come out in the morning to hunt for food. They usually stay near the bottom of the river or lake in the day and come out again for food in evenings and night.
Use seasons and weather as baiting strategies.
Rainy days and overcast clouds are excellent times for to go catfishing. The rainclouds can create early morning like conditions, mid day and evening to look the same so you can enjoy catfishing all throughout the day. Catfishing is popular during the fall and spring when the water levels are high and the catfishes are highly active.
Keep the bait still
This may sound obvious but it is surprising how many beginners make this mistake. It is crucial that you keep your bait as stationary and still as possible. This will improve your chances of attracting catfishes into your bait. Ideally, you don't want the bait moving or bouncing. Be observant of the water current or something that sticks out of the water. To find out if there are fishes in the area, throw a fresh sad head. If you do not get a bite in the next thirty minutes, go find a new spot.
Find the hot spots.
You may have the best bait in the world; but if you don't position it in areas where the catfishes are located, it will just sit in water, lollygag and fall apart. Look for places where the catfishes will likely hide. If you are fishing on a creek or river, find a bend where there could be an overhang. Catfishes love to hang out in these areas as it offers them safety. They also commonly lurk behind deep holes and sunken logs. Follow water currents for you to spot deep channels. Learn more about the waterways before embarking on a fishing journey to know river entry points, alcoves and other areas where you can find these species.
Use the appropriate hooks.
Make sure the hook you are using isn't too small or too big for the cat that you are targeting. Trial and error would be a good approach. If the hook is too large, the catfish will not be able to get the hook in its mouth and will nibble around your bait. Using catfishing baits properly will ensure a highly productive catfishing trip.
John G Garrett is an avid Catfishing enthusiast and expert. For more expert tips on Using Catfishing Baits, visit http://www.howtocatchcatfishsecrets.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_G_Garrett
So, here are the 5 things you must know to help you get the most out of your baits and make that big catch.
It all starts with timing
It is crucial to know and understand the best time of the day for catfishing. Technically, you can go catfishing at anytime of the day but for maximum reward for your effort I would recommend fishing early in the morning or late in the evening. Just like most animals, these species come out in the morning to hunt for food. They usually stay near the bottom of the river or lake in the day and come out again for food in evenings and night.
Use seasons and weather as baiting strategies.
Rainy days and overcast clouds are excellent times for to go catfishing. The rainclouds can create early morning like conditions, mid day and evening to look the same so you can enjoy catfishing all throughout the day. Catfishing is popular during the fall and spring when the water levels are high and the catfishes are highly active.
Keep the bait still
This may sound obvious but it is surprising how many beginners make this mistake. It is crucial that you keep your bait as stationary and still as possible. This will improve your chances of attracting catfishes into your bait. Ideally, you don't want the bait moving or bouncing. Be observant of the water current or something that sticks out of the water. To find out if there are fishes in the area, throw a fresh sad head. If you do not get a bite in the next thirty minutes, go find a new spot.
Find the hot spots.
You may have the best bait in the world; but if you don't position it in areas where the catfishes are located, it will just sit in water, lollygag and fall apart. Look for places where the catfishes will likely hide. If you are fishing on a creek or river, find a bend where there could be an overhang. Catfishes love to hang out in these areas as it offers them safety. They also commonly lurk behind deep holes and sunken logs. Follow water currents for you to spot deep channels. Learn more about the waterways before embarking on a fishing journey to know river entry points, alcoves and other areas where you can find these species.
Use the appropriate hooks.
Make sure the hook you are using isn't too small or too big for the cat that you are targeting. Trial and error would be a good approach. If the hook is too large, the catfish will not be able to get the hook in its mouth and will nibble around your bait. Using catfishing baits properly will ensure a highly productive catfishing trip.
John G Garrett is an avid Catfishing enthusiast and expert. For more expert tips on Using Catfishing Baits, visit http://www.howtocatchcatfishsecrets.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_G_Garrett
Thursday 23 June 2011
Which Catfishing Bait To Use
With most fish the best bait is whatever they feed on naturally but the catfish are truly omnivorous and scavengers and they eat almost anything. The range of successful catfishing bait is amazing from live fish bait through worms, small frogs to marshmallows, hotdogs, unscented ivory soap (I didn't believe this but I can assure you it is successful) and some very strange, very smelly home-made concoctions.
The catfish has an array of senses to detect food from good eyesight (despite rumours to the contrary), excellent taste, smell and hearing and they use all the senses to detect food and warn of danger. The expert angler will make use of all of these catfish senses to get the fish to notice the bait that is being offered.
To list all the baits that have been used to catch catfish would fill a library of books but here are a few suggestions from the list of most successful.
The old fashioned worm, either night crawlers or the garden variety sometimes appears to be the food that is top of the catfish menu, but other times when they are not interested. Overall the worm, which is always readily available, is excellent catfish bait.
Shrimp or small prawns especially if they are soaked in fish oil tempt catfish. If you remove the prawns from their shell gives a better result. (Cut large prawns in half) These can be obtained easily from the local sea food store either frozen or fresh work very well.
Home-made bait that is a favourite is peanut butter and cornflakes mixed together and then formed into balls which can be fixed onto the hook. The butter releases oils into the water which the catfish detect and are attracted. An advantage with this bait is that small fish do not appear to be able to suck it from the hook. Another successful bait is sweet corn. Put a piece of sweet corn on each point of a treble hook then wrap bread around it. The smell of the sweet corn attracts the catfish and the bread will hide the hook from reluctant fish that have been caught and released too often. Cheese, the smellier the better, also hits the spot in attracting catfish.
A big advantage of home-made bait is the fun it generates in using your imagination to come up with original successful recipes. Not only for you but the children take huge delight in the designing and mixing the bait. And you should see the absolute joy when one of their recipes is successful and catches a catfish large or small. Involving children in the sport ensures that it becomes more popular and goes from strength to strength. And the catfish not being a picky eater and therefore easily attracted plays an important part in this growth. So long last the home-made bait.
Ben Field is a catfishing enthusiast and expert. For more information on catfishing bait, visit http://www.catfishingskills.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ben_A_Field
The catfish has an array of senses to detect food from good eyesight (despite rumours to the contrary), excellent taste, smell and hearing and they use all the senses to detect food and warn of danger. The expert angler will make use of all of these catfish senses to get the fish to notice the bait that is being offered.
To list all the baits that have been used to catch catfish would fill a library of books but here are a few suggestions from the list of most successful.
The old fashioned worm, either night crawlers or the garden variety sometimes appears to be the food that is top of the catfish menu, but other times when they are not interested. Overall the worm, which is always readily available, is excellent catfish bait.
Shrimp or small prawns especially if they are soaked in fish oil tempt catfish. If you remove the prawns from their shell gives a better result. (Cut large prawns in half) These can be obtained easily from the local sea food store either frozen or fresh work very well.
Home-made bait that is a favourite is peanut butter and cornflakes mixed together and then formed into balls which can be fixed onto the hook. The butter releases oils into the water which the catfish detect and are attracted. An advantage with this bait is that small fish do not appear to be able to suck it from the hook. Another successful bait is sweet corn. Put a piece of sweet corn on each point of a treble hook then wrap bread around it. The smell of the sweet corn attracts the catfish and the bread will hide the hook from reluctant fish that have been caught and released too often. Cheese, the smellier the better, also hits the spot in attracting catfish.
A big advantage of home-made bait is the fun it generates in using your imagination to come up with original successful recipes. Not only for you but the children take huge delight in the designing and mixing the bait. And you should see the absolute joy when one of their recipes is successful and catches a catfish large or small. Involving children in the sport ensures that it becomes more popular and goes from strength to strength. And the catfish not being a picky eater and therefore easily attracted plays an important part in this growth. So long last the home-made bait.
Ben Field is a catfishing enthusiast and expert. For more information on catfishing bait, visit http://www.catfishingskills.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ben_A_Field
Tuesday 8 March 2011
How to Fish For Trout With Spinning Gear
There are two main ways to fish for trout. You can fish for trout with fly fishing gear and you can fish for trout with spinning gear. In this article I will teach you how to fish for trout with spinning gear. I have been "trout fishing" for twenty plus years and have always done so while using traditional spinning gear, so I have a lot of experience with this subject matter.
I fish for trout in much the same way that a "fly fishermen" does, which means that I wear waders and tend to be in the water with the trout I am attempting to catch and wear a fly fishing vest to carry all of my tackle. These are both things that I suggest for anyone who wants to fish for trout, no matter what type of "gear" they use, therefore this is the first key to how to fish for trout with spinning gear, wear a fishing vest to carry all of you gear (lures, hooks, line, etc), and when necessary wade in the water that you are fishing.
The second thing that is a "must" if you want to know how to fish for trout with spinning gear is to use an ultra light rod and reel and that is spooled with very light fishing line. One reason that an ultra light rod and reel are utilized is mainly because ultra light action rods and reels are made specifically for using two to six pound test fishing line, which is the size fishing line that you want to use anytime that you fish for trout. Using ultra light gear also "forces" you to play your catch, which makes you a better all around fisherman. So, a fishing vest, ultra light rod and reel, and light fishing line are all integral if you want to fish for trout with spinning gear.
The next factor to discuss when it comes to trout fishing with spinning gear are the techniques that are used. It's important to be proficient with at least two techniques so that you can change your technique as fishing conditions dictate. Some of these techniques would include; drift fishing either a live worm or spinner, using a "fly bubble" to fish with artificial flies in either a lake or river, drifting a small jig for hungry trout, and/or still fishing dough bait such as Powerbait for stocked trout in a local lake. By being proficient with at least two trout fishing techniques you can change techniques at the fishing conditions change, which means that you will end up catching more trout.
The last key to how to trout fish with spinning gear is to spend as much time on the water fishing for trout as you can. There is nothing that will increase your bite rates like spending time on the water practicing your craft. Just as with most everything in life, there is no substitute for practice. So, determine your favorite technique and master it, then do the same with another technique, and so on. Before you know it you will be able to fish for (and catch) trout any time that you would like.
Trevor Kugler is co-founder of JRWfishing.com and an avid angler. He has more than 25 years experience fishing for all types of fish, and 15 years of business and internet experience. He currently raises his five year old daughter in the heart of trout fishing country.
Learn how to fish for trout by following our trout fishing blog and learning new tips and techniques for FREE.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Trevor_Kugler
I fish for trout in much the same way that a "fly fishermen" does, which means that I wear waders and tend to be in the water with the trout I am attempting to catch and wear a fly fishing vest to carry all of my tackle. These are both things that I suggest for anyone who wants to fish for trout, no matter what type of "gear" they use, therefore this is the first key to how to fish for trout with spinning gear, wear a fishing vest to carry all of you gear (lures, hooks, line, etc), and when necessary wade in the water that you are fishing.
The second thing that is a "must" if you want to know how to fish for trout with spinning gear is to use an ultra light rod and reel and that is spooled with very light fishing line. One reason that an ultra light rod and reel are utilized is mainly because ultra light action rods and reels are made specifically for using two to six pound test fishing line, which is the size fishing line that you want to use anytime that you fish for trout. Using ultra light gear also "forces" you to play your catch, which makes you a better all around fisherman. So, a fishing vest, ultra light rod and reel, and light fishing line are all integral if you want to fish for trout with spinning gear.
The next factor to discuss when it comes to trout fishing with spinning gear are the techniques that are used. It's important to be proficient with at least two techniques so that you can change your technique as fishing conditions dictate. Some of these techniques would include; drift fishing either a live worm or spinner, using a "fly bubble" to fish with artificial flies in either a lake or river, drifting a small jig for hungry trout, and/or still fishing dough bait such as Powerbait for stocked trout in a local lake. By being proficient with at least two trout fishing techniques you can change techniques at the fishing conditions change, which means that you will end up catching more trout.
The last key to how to trout fish with spinning gear is to spend as much time on the water fishing for trout as you can. There is nothing that will increase your bite rates like spending time on the water practicing your craft. Just as with most everything in life, there is no substitute for practice. So, determine your favorite technique and master it, then do the same with another technique, and so on. Before you know it you will be able to fish for (and catch) trout any time that you would like.
Trevor Kugler is co-founder of JRWfishing.com and an avid angler. He has more than 25 years experience fishing for all types of fish, and 15 years of business and internet experience. He currently raises his five year old daughter in the heart of trout fishing country.
Learn how to fish for trout by following our trout fishing blog and learning new tips and techniques for FREE.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Trevor_Kugler
Monday 7 March 2011
Catching Trout With Nymphs - A Very Effective Fly Fishing Technique
Catching trout with nymphs is considered one of the most effective ways to fly fish. The simple reason for this is that the vast majority of a trout's diet of aquatic insects is the juvenile nymph stage and only a small portion is the surface feeding on adult aquatic insects. When fishing with nymphs, the angler is emulating this young phase of sub surface aquatic insects. In your efforts to catch trout you should be imitating the insect in both appearance and behavior. In general this means a free floating drift and minimal movement imparted on your fly. This type of fishing is in contrast to using a dry fly when you usually see the fish, or at least the rise form as they take the dry fly of the surface.
Because of this situation the angler who is nymphing generally does not see the fly itself. This can be the source of some problems, particularly for the less experienced angler. It can be quite difficult to detect when the fish strikes and to know when to set the hook. Using a floating strike indicator can significantly help with this problem. Many types are available on the market in various sizes and in bright visible colors. Experienced fishermen develop their own preferences, often based on conditions such as current speed, depth and type of fly being used. Generally larger indicators are best in fast currents and dark colored water while smaller indicators work well in slower current and clear water. Position the strike indicator above the fly to set the sinking fly at the appropriate depth. If you set it too deep the fly will hit the bottom and if it is not deep enough the fish will be feeding well below the fly. Adjustments may need to be made to determine the proper depth of your fly. Remember different nymphs sink at various rate. Beadhead flies became very popular and effective because they tend to get down to the depth of the feeding trout.
As you watch the indicator floating with the current keep watching it carefully. Just about any slight hesitation, change of direction, quick movement or submersion could indicate a fish has hit your fly. Your response should be to always attempt to set the hook, often by a simple lifting up of the line to tighten, or a quick short tug. If there is not fish simply keep fishing the drift. You will experience many false strikes. These can be caused by the fly bumping rocks, the bottom, vegetation, etc. Some will be fish that spit the fly very quickly. But eventually that slight tug on your indicator will be a nice fat trout!
Trout tend to be rather subtle when do this subsurface feeding. They are not chasing nymphs all over the place but they are hanging in their feeding station, observing what is floating at them and then moving short distances side to side and sipping in anything that looks tasty. If you are out fishing and have the opportunity to observe a trout feeding in clear water be sure to take the time to observe and learn. You can certainly get a good education on trout fishing from this type of observation. One of the things that you may learn from observing trout in this manner, is just how quick they can hit or spit the fly. It makes you realize how much the strike indicator can help you. A trout can see your nymph, bit it, spit it out and be on his way, and you strike indicator has yet to move. You see that fish can be so quick that they can spit out the artificial fly long before the indicator indicates a hit. This is another reason to set the hook frequently during the drift to maximize your chances of a hook up.
With the proper rig of a nymph and strike indicator, a good drift through a trout's feeding area, good attention to the strike indicators movement and appropriate hook sets you can be sure to hook your fair share of trout. Tight lines!
More useful information on fly fishing for trout is available at http://www.squidoo.com/fly-fishing-courses
David Waters is an avid fly fisherman and outdoorsman with over 30 years of experience fishing, hiking and camping. A resident of New England and a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, David has been helping other fly fisherman enjoy the sport in a wide variety of ways. http://www.squidoo.com/FlyFishingNewEngland provides outstanding information on fishing destinations and techniques. He is also a founding member of The Nahanni Camping and Fishing Club.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_M._Waters
Because of this situation the angler who is nymphing generally does not see the fly itself. This can be the source of some problems, particularly for the less experienced angler. It can be quite difficult to detect when the fish strikes and to know when to set the hook. Using a floating strike indicator can significantly help with this problem. Many types are available on the market in various sizes and in bright visible colors. Experienced fishermen develop their own preferences, often based on conditions such as current speed, depth and type of fly being used. Generally larger indicators are best in fast currents and dark colored water while smaller indicators work well in slower current and clear water. Position the strike indicator above the fly to set the sinking fly at the appropriate depth. If you set it too deep the fly will hit the bottom and if it is not deep enough the fish will be feeding well below the fly. Adjustments may need to be made to determine the proper depth of your fly. Remember different nymphs sink at various rate. Beadhead flies became very popular and effective because they tend to get down to the depth of the feeding trout.
As you watch the indicator floating with the current keep watching it carefully. Just about any slight hesitation, change of direction, quick movement or submersion could indicate a fish has hit your fly. Your response should be to always attempt to set the hook, often by a simple lifting up of the line to tighten, or a quick short tug. If there is not fish simply keep fishing the drift. You will experience many false strikes. These can be caused by the fly bumping rocks, the bottom, vegetation, etc. Some will be fish that spit the fly very quickly. But eventually that slight tug on your indicator will be a nice fat trout!
Trout tend to be rather subtle when do this subsurface feeding. They are not chasing nymphs all over the place but they are hanging in their feeding station, observing what is floating at them and then moving short distances side to side and sipping in anything that looks tasty. If you are out fishing and have the opportunity to observe a trout feeding in clear water be sure to take the time to observe and learn. You can certainly get a good education on trout fishing from this type of observation. One of the things that you may learn from observing trout in this manner, is just how quick they can hit or spit the fly. It makes you realize how much the strike indicator can help you. A trout can see your nymph, bit it, spit it out and be on his way, and you strike indicator has yet to move. You see that fish can be so quick that they can spit out the artificial fly long before the indicator indicates a hit. This is another reason to set the hook frequently during the drift to maximize your chances of a hook up.
With the proper rig of a nymph and strike indicator, a good drift through a trout's feeding area, good attention to the strike indicators movement and appropriate hook sets you can be sure to hook your fair share of trout. Tight lines!
More useful information on fly fishing for trout is available at http://www.squidoo.com/fly-fishing-courses
David Waters is an avid fly fisherman and outdoorsman with over 30 years of experience fishing, hiking and camping. A resident of New England and a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, David has been helping other fly fisherman enjoy the sport in a wide variety of ways. http://www.squidoo.com/FlyFishingNewEngland provides outstanding information on fishing destinations and techniques. He is also a founding member of The Nahanni Camping and Fishing Club.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_M._Waters
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)