Posts Tagged ‘Fishermen’

What Makes Up the Basic Sea Fishing Tackle?

Thursday, May 21st, 2009
fishing tackle
ian nicol asked:


The term “sea fishing tackle” is a general term that covers all equipment used by fishermen when they go fishing at sea.

When we talk about sea fishing tackle, we are actually referring to all the equipment that fishermen use when they go out to the sea to fish. The term “sea fishing tackle” is a rather general term, since it is used on different kinds of fishing gear and equipment.

What exactly are we talking about when we speak of sea fishing tackle? Below is a rundown of what makes up the basic sea fishing tackle that anglers ought to have with them on their fishing trips.

1. Fishing rod and reel. Naturally, the first thing that comes to mind on the topic of sea fishing tackle is the fishing rod and the accompanying reel. This is the most basic item in a fisherman’s gear because one simply cannot fish without it. The rod and the reel can be bought separately from a local tackle store, but they often come as a set. The rods used for saltwater fishing are often six feet long or more.

2. Fishing line. The fishing line is the cord used to reel in the catch. It comes in different strengths or pound-tests. What pound-test fishing line you should buy depends on the kind of fish you are planning to catch and the bait you want to do it with. Typically, the more popular fishing lines have a pound-test of eight to 16.

3. Fishing net. The net is used not to catch the fish but to land them. However, it can be handy for catching bait, such as minnows and frogs.

4. Bait. Baits come in a wide variety of forms and colours. They are either live or artificial. Live bait can be earthworms, minnows, crab or shrimp. Artificial baits are often made of plastic.

5. Hooks. The hooks hold the fish that go for the bait. The size of the hook that you should use depends on the size of the fish you are going for.

6. Bobbers. The bobber is supposed to dangle the bait to the fish and to put a bit more weight to your cast. When it sinks, it means there is a catch at the end of the line.

7. Sinkers. Sinkers add weight to the line to prevent it from floating to the water’s surface. The good ones weigh only a pound and are free from lead.

8. Leaders. Leaders are bits of metal that you attach to your line to protect it from being cut by toothy or sharp-gilled fish.

9. Swivels. Swivels are attached to the line and are sometimes used to hold the bait, the leader and the hook instead of being tied directly to the line. A swivel keeps the line from tangling and makes it easier to remove leaders without cutting the line.

10. Utility knife. A knife is used for a variety of tasks when fishing. They can be used to cut tangled lines, clean fish and making fillets.

11. Tackle box. The tackle box is the container where you store all the small items that make up your sea fishing tackle. It is always best to keep the tackle box organised.

There are a lot of items that make up sea fishing tackle. All these items that are called sea fishing tackle are essential to having a fun and productive time of fishing at sea.



Avoid the Perils of Buying Second-hand Sea Fishing Tackle

Saturday, May 16th, 2009
sea fishing
ian nicol asked:


Buying second-hand is a good alternative when you cannot afford brand new sea fishing tackle. But you should buy only from reliable sources and check the gear before you buy them.

A fisherman is only as good as his tackle, and so, if you plan on fishing out there at sea, you should only get the best sea fishing tackle for use when you pursue the sport. Treat your purchase of your sea fishing tackle as an investment, and it will greatly enhance your angling experience.

Unfortunately, good sea fishing tackle is not as cheap as we would like it to be, given the worsening economic conditions all over the world and the soaring prices that come along with it, including the cost of fishing gear. People who cannot afford brand new sea fishing tackle will have to go with second-hand ones that fit their budget.

Here is where the trouble begins: many inexperienced fishermen end up getting bad fishing gear or paying more than they should when buying second-hand. The case is always that they just took the word of the seller at face value and did not check the condition of the gear for themselves. Goodness knows how many conmen are out there looking for easy marks, and possible marks always include newbie anglers without a clue as to what kind of sea fishing tackle they ought to get.

Thus, if you are buying second-hand fishing equipment, always make sure to check the condition and the quality of the tackle itself. Let us take for example a second-hand fishing rod. A good fishing rod, whether it is brand new or previously used, will have a balanced feel in your hands, and it is a balance that should not be lost when you begin using it as you go sea fishing. Cracks on the rod and corrosion on the plates of the reel and on the spool will cause the fishing rod to lose its balance.

So, when buying second-hand sea fishing tackle, look out for nicks and cracks on the rod itself. It is easy to check the rod for damage – just run your fingers along its length and feel for nicks and cracks with your own skin.

Reels, on the other hand, are much trickier. You have to check the outer plating of the reels as well as the inside. Sea water is corrosive, and a good fisherman will always wash his reels with warm tap water after using them. Many modern fishing reels are made from carbon composites that resist corroding, but then again, you would never know if the reels are not corroded if you would not check them thoroughly. Check the outer plate and have the seller dismantle the reel so you could have a look at the inside. If the gears inside look rusty or worn out but the plates are still good, you can get the reel and just replace the gear.

The rule of thumb in buying second-hand sea fishing tackle is to buy them only from sources you find reliable, like an acquaintance who has quit fishing or the second-hand shelves of a fishing retailer. Also, always check the condition of the sea fishing tackle before taking out your wallet.



Fly Fishing Basics Are The Gateway To Understanding An Ancient Technique

Thursday, April 30th, 2009
fly fishing
Michelle Bery asked:


Everyone knows the basics of fishing. There’s a rod, reel, fishing line, hook, bait; you cast the line, wait for a bite, and reel in your dinner. Experienced fishermen know there is more to it than that, but for most of us that description appropriately sums it up. However, there are many types of fishing, such as salt water and fresh water, and perhaps the most artful of them all, fly fishing. You have probably heard of fly fishing – it has been in recorded history for nearly 2000 years – and you probably know that it does not involve fishing for flies, but if that is all you know then a primer in fly fishing basics can bring you up to speed.

Unlike other forms of fishing, fly fishing does not typically use any kind of organic bait, live or dead. Instead, fly fisherman use artificial flies – ribbon, string, hair, feathers – as a lure to attract fish. The artificial flies are attached to the hook and line, and the fisherman attracts fish with movement that makes the fly look like an insect that is moving on or above the surface of the water. The nature of that artificial bait is the first and most important element to understand when examining fly fishing basics.

Another aspect of fly fishing basics, an aspect that separates fly fishing from most other variations of fishing, is the way the line is cast. Other kinds of fishing rely on casting a line and attracting fish with the bait, but fly fishing requires a much more skillful method of luring the fish. A fly fisherman casts his lure toward the fish and uses rhythmic movements to make the lure fly above the water, skimming the top, or even diving under the surface, all in an effort to replicate the movements of an insect that might entice a hungry fish to strike.

If you understand fly fishing basics, you might wonder what you need to give it a try. Fly fishermen usually use rods that are longer and lighter than typical fishing rods. The reel used is typically quite simple because it is generally used only to retrieve the hook and lure – and hopefully a fish! Before casting, fly fishermen usually create slack in the line by pulling some from the reel. That slack allows the lure to fly freely to the targeted area. Choosing the proper lure is another aspect of fly fishing basics that one should understand before setting off to cast their line.

Fly fishing implies that the lure is intended to resemble the characteristics of flies, but fly fishing is hardly limited to that. The sport has evolved in recent years, and many fly fishermen now choose lures and casting techniques that mimic the primary prey of the fish they are attempting to catch. However, specific baits and the eating characteristics of various species of fish are beyond the realm of fly fishing basics.

An understanding of fly fishing basics is not enough to prepare one to head off to the nearest lake or stream. If you are interested in expanding your knowledge, or trying fly fishing yourself, spend some time reading on the subject, and if possible seek the tutelage of an experienced fly fisherman. Only then can you begin to understand more than fly fishing basics, such as specific recommendations on rods, reels, line weight, lures, and most important, the great places where fly fisherman must make a pilgrimage.



Posted by Glen