Off Fishing

Fishing in Salt Water

There will always be challenges whether one decides to fish either in the river or in the open sea. The important thing to remember is to have patience waiting for the fish and doing your best to catch it when it appears.

To be able to fish, a person needs to get a fishing license since this is a requirement by law and the regulations regarding fishing varies from one state to the other.

The first thing one needs for salt water fishing is a boat.  It can range from a simple row boat to a yacht. The size of this vessel depends on how many people will join the trip.

For people who will do it in-shore, a 15 foot sailboat that comes with a cuddy forward to serve as a shelter when it rains should do the job. The boat should not be heavy and yet adequately sturdy to not be swayed by the action of strong waves or some bumps on the beach or on the rocks.

One should always try the edges of the perimeter first instead of plopping bait or lure in the middle. This is because it will scare the other fish away. By going through the sides first, one will have a better chance of catching unsuspecting fish in the middle.

If one decides to go "down below" some time, a cod-line is a necessity for everybody to enjoy saltwater fishing. A perch-line will also be good and if it's time for mackerel fishing, a mackerel jig will be an excellent help.

The right time to start salt water fishing is on the ebb tide. This should be during an early time of the morning to ensure that the trip will be a productive one. This will put the tide in one’s favor and if the wind is light or not fair, this will also help in going home quickly.

The best place to start fishing is going to a fishing ground that is well known to the locals.

Many anglers who are too impatient move from one spot to another which at times make these people miss a hotspot further decreasing the chances of catching fish.  It is advisable to cast out a couple of times before moving on using different types of bait. This should be done from the shallowest to the deepest point.

Fishing in the South Pacific

The South Pacific has long been known because of the exciting experiences the waters can offer. It has been famous to tourists and even neighboring countries because of adventures and excitements it can offer. Many fishermen come to New Zealand when summers draws to a close. This is the season when tuna and billfish swim closer to the shores to find a warmer place.

During the remaining seven months of the year, that is the time for the fishermen to have a great time especially the months after the winter. You do not need many things to bring to enjoy the exciting destinations of the South Pacific. All you need is your clothes and hats and off you go.

Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, Tonga and Niue are places that most tourists visit to fish. These spots have been the highest rated fishing vacation sites because of the abundant fish and the weather as well. These spots have temperatures that attract fish, which explains why there are abundant fish in these places. Fishing in these spots is never complicated. You can even target sailfish and mahi-mahi with your own tackle.

Sailfish have been famous for their aerobatics with their sails dashing in the sunlight. It is also in the South Pacific that you will witness a big bull mahi-mahi lure you out. For the adventurers, this is also a chance for you to cast "poppers" and jigs to a dogtooth tuna or a trevally.

These hotspots are perfect not only to those who like to cook what they catch but also for those who have the "catch and release" philosophy. Game fishermen in these places usually catch sailfish, Northern Blue Tuna, Marlin, Spanish mackerel, Red Emperor, Trevally and Cod. If you are someone who loves fly-fishing, creek fishing and blue water fishing, then the South Pacific is perfect for you. Whether you are an expert or a beginner, there are many skilled and experienced fishing guides and best quality boats that are safe and will ensure that you will have the best fishing experience.

Eel And Eelskin Lures

Eel and eelskin lures are used mostly in saltwater to catch such fish as striped bass, bluefish, snook, and marlin. The most difficult part about making eel and eelskin lures will often be obtaining the eels themselves. The eel usually usedis the so- called "common eel" found from Labrador to Brazil along the Atlantic Coast.

The females reach a large size and live in freshwater rivers, streams, and lakes. The males are much smaller and live in saltwater bays, sounds, and tidal creeks. These are the ones usually used for bait. Live eels are caught with eel pots baited with dead fish, small baitfish, crushed clams, or crabs.

These pots, which are similar to minnow traps, are wire cages with funnel entrances on both ends. The eels enter through the funnel holes, but once inside have trouble finding their way out.

Live or frozen eels can also be purchased from many fish markets, bait dealers, and fishing tackle stores. The size will depend on the fishing tackle you use and the fish you want to catch. Small eels from 8 to 12 in. long are best with light tackle such as spinning outfits; the larger eels from 12 to 20 in. are used with heavier surf outfits and for trolling for big fish.

To rig an eel you will need a long needle such as an upholsterer's needle. It should be anywhere from 12 to 14 in. long. You can also make your own needle, using a brass or copper rod about 1/8 in. in diameter. One end should be filed to a point while the other end is given an eye or a slot to which a line can be tied.

You also need some 6/0, 7/0, 8/0 or 9/0 hooks, again depending on the size of the eel. The larger the eel, the larger the hooks required. Light tackle and lines need smaller hooks than heavier fishing tackle. The sizes of hooks range from 10 (tiny) down to 1 (small) and then back up from 1/0, 2/0 (medium) through 8/0 (large) and all the way up to 24/0 (great white shark size).

Deep Sea Fishing Tips

Deep sea fishing is a wonderful and extremely enjoyable activity. Here are some tips that will make your salt water fishing adventure even better.

Watch the signs
If you see birds e.g. Seagulls that are feasting on small bait-type fishes, there are probably larger game-type fish below the surface of the water. Also, look for floating wood or debris. In most cases when you chance upon a large floating wood, you would find a large game fish in the area even encountering dolphin.

Stop, Snook and Listen
Fishing for snooks is quite similar to fishing for bass. Snooks like to be around ledges, posts and rocks.

Crabs for full moon
During full moons use soft crab imitations as bait. That's the time when crabs shed their shells and stripers come looking for them.

If you're looking for tunas, find the dolphins
Yellowfin tuna are usually found schooling with dolphins. So if you see a group of dolphins, chances are there are some tuna in the area.

Cut and Burn
If you have trouble cutting through a spiderwire braid, try using a lighter or a match.

Good Reef
The best place to fish is near reefs since big game fish feed on fish that live on reefs.

The Circle Hook
Use a circle hook if you would like a higher hook up ratio. These hooks guarantees more catch, because of the minute gap, and the reverse point. They are generally better for the fish since they do not hook in the gut just the lip.

Don’t have sea legs
Watch the horizon and stay on deck. These would generally help you if you're having trouble with sea sickness: Stay away from the boat fumes, breathing it only exacerbates the problem.

Anchors away
When your anchor is stuck at the bottom, try attaching a float to it. Return after the tide has changed in direction. This should be enough to loosen the anchor.