Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs - Effective in Maine

If you are a fisherman you realize how much fun and rewarding this sport can be. It gives you a chance to experience the outdoors, relax, and have fun with family and friends. It is a sport you can participate in all year round, provided you have the proper equipment. It is a chance to get away from the rush of daily life and to create memories. This not only benefits adults, but is vitally important for the youth. Thanks to Maine's Department of Inland Fisheries And Wildlife, the "Hooked On Fishing, Not On Drugs" has been implemented to get the youth interested in spending their time positively, and decreasing their interest in drugs.

Studies have shown that the reasons youth succumb to alcohol or drugs include lack of motivation, peer pressure, boredom, lack of self-esteem, family problems, inadequate social skills, and inadequate communication skills. The "Hooked On Fishing, Not On Drugs" program offers alternatives by encouraging proper problem solving, expanding communication with parents and positive family interactions, while creating responsibility. Children who have positive life skills are less apt to turn to drugs or alcohol.

Maine's 118th Legislature enacted a law that allows the Department to accept donations, services, and other goods which can only be used to promote the education of the youth. Walmart was the first to sponsor the program, and has encouraged other businesses to come on board. FET Inc. of Scarborough, Maine holds a yearly ice fishing event to raise money for the program. Donations are received from individuals, companies, and memorial funds.

The steps the Department has taken to achieve these goals are to sponsor workshops that train volunteers; work with clubs interested in sports; provide Learning To Fish clinics throughout the state; dispense information on fishing; and provide fishing tackle, assistance, and resources to the participating organizations. More than half of the children who have been in the program have never fished before. Three quarters of those who have never fished before continue to do so. Two thirds take more of an interest in their environment. Maine's 118th Legislature enacted a law that allows the Department to accept donations, services, and other goods which can only be used to promote the education of the youth. Walmart was the first to sponsor the program, and has encouraged other businesses to come on board. FET Inc. holds a yearly ice fishing event to raise money for the "Hooked On Fishing, Not On Drugs" program. Donations are received from individuals, companies, and memorial funds.

If you are a fisherman yourself, you know how great a sport fishing can be, and how the proper equipment can make it even more pleasurable. You may be interested in the following.

When you are going fishing, you want to be as comfortable as possible. You may be interested in a backpack folding chair which is on sale today, and includes a pole holder, a cup holder, and a free clamp-on umbrella. If so, check this out Fishing Backpack Chair

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Using Nightcrawlers As Fishing Bait - Some Tips

There is little question that nightcrawlers are one of the best known and most readily available fishing baits that there is. Everyone who has wetted a line has probably used a nightcrawler as fishing bait at one time or another. I have personally been using nightcrawlers as bait for more than two decades and in that time have learned some tips that will make anyone a much more successful angler when using this popular fishing bait.

As a matter of fact I consider fishing with live worms to be every bit the "art form" that other forms of fishing have been proclaimed to be throughout the years, as long as it is taken seriously and some simple rules are adhered to. My fishing mentor, who preferred fishing with nightcrawlers (or similar live worm species), taught me some of these tips many years ago and I have been using them ever since.

The first tip is to keep your nightcrawlers as cool as possible while fishing. The cooler they are the more lively the nightcrawlers are and thus the more effective they will be as bait. Obviously when temperatures are hot, this can be a challenge, but keeping your nightcrawlers cool is key anytime they are being used as fishing bait.

The next thing to consider is how the worms are carried or held while fishing. If you are fishing from a boat or still fishing in a lake this isn't a problem. The nightcrawlers can be kept in the container that they are purchased in and taken out as needed. The place where this is truly a problem is if you are wading. If you are wading (or otherwise mobile while fishing) and using nightcrawlers as fishing bait a bait bag should be employed for carrying them. A Bait bag is simply a small pouch that hangs from your fishing vest or is attached to a belt loop on your pants and holds your nightcrawlers for you while fishing. The other cool thing about using a bait bag is that when temperatures are hot, you can simply un-clip the bait bag, dip the entire bag into the water to cool off the nightcrawlers, and then simply re-attach it after the "dip". This will help keep your nightcrawlers cool while fishing in hot weather.

The next and probably most important tip when using nightcrawlers as fishing bait is to present them to the fish that you are attempting to catch in the most realistic manner possible. This is accomplished by using a set of gang hooks, which is simply a pair of small hooks tied in tandem, enabling nightcrawlers to be presented in at outstretched and natural manner. Actually, when using gang hooks and nightcrawlers, the worms should be pinched in half before rigging up, so as not to leave too much of the worm "hanging off" of the second hook. The bottom line is that gang hooks should always be used when live worms of any variety are the fishing bait.

Keep these simple tips in mind and you will experience much more success on your next fishing excursion.

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. Gang Hooks Ready To Fish - http://www.jrwfishing.com/gang_hooks.asp Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Trevor_Kugler

Bass Fishing Strategies

Are you ready to fill your boat with big bass? While many people enjoy the sport, only those who study fish behavior patterns and strategies for catching them will land fish regularly.

You should begin your study of bass behavior by understanding the factors that influence that behavior. Food sources, temperature, cover, and oxygen are primary factors. Learn how each impacts the life of a bass, and you will increase your catch rate.

Fish need to eat. Bass feed on many living creatures, including other small fish, worms, snakes, mice, bugs, frogs, and crayfish. You can increase your chances by studying which food sources are plentiful in the lake or river that you are fishing. If bluegill are swimming around, chances are a crank bait or minnow will catch a bass or two. If the bottom is rocky, you might have luck crawling a crayfish along the bottom. In weedy areas, try frogs; chances are the shores are lined with them, and they make a great treat for a hunting bass.

Try to adjust your presentation so that it mimics the real life food sources in the lake. Also, try adjusting your lure color based on the actual creatures in the lake, but also take water color into consideration. If the water is stained, you might need to try a different color to help the fish see the lure.

Temperature has a great impact on the life of the bass. Remember, fish are cold-blooded. That means a fish will become lethargic in very cold water. Bass will rarely bite in water below 50 degrees. That is why bass fishing is so difficult in the winter months. You can pull a lure right in front of the fish and not get a bite, because the fish has a much slower metabolism. Therefore, it eats less and reacts less quickly to food sources.

Cover is also an important factor. Bass are predators; they like to ambush prey from a safe location. Often they will hide inside weed beds, under submerged tree branches, and under boat docks. Fish these structures carefully and thoroughly.

Oxygen is also important. Living plants provide food for bugs, worms, and microscopic organisms. These, in turn, provide food for tiny fish and frogs. These fish and frogs are food for the hungry bass. Therefore, where you find plant life, you will also usually find bass. Without oxygen, underwater life can not survive, so narrow down your scope by focusing on lake areas with plenty of plant life.

For tips on catching summer bass, check out MichiganBassFishingGuide.com.

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Guidelines in Your Search For Fishing Rods and Reels

What do you think are the determining factors that tells you whether a fishing rod or reel is a good buy? It's not really hard to tell especially if you are already familiar with it and you have had experience purchasing a fishing rod and reel before. But now you will know the real deal. You won't be just guessing the next time you go to a store to buy another fishing rod and reel. You could even tell your fishing buddies about it.

There is no such thing as a perfect rod and reel. You should not also rely on the brand because it's not the only basis to know if it's good or not. Don't be convinced that because it's expensive, it's already better then the cheaper ones. Price doesn't automatically tag them as reliable and of high-quality. Take a look at the following tips because these might help you in your search for fishing rods and reels.

1. What kind of fish do you pursue? This is the first question that you need to ask yourself before you get a fishing rod and reel to prevent from getting something that you don't really need. This will also save time and money as well because when you go to the store, you will only look for what you need. Like for instance if you aim for a twenty pound fish, you got to get a bigger equipment for that.

2. Do you know what kind of water are you fishing? It's also important to check if you have enough space for casting. It doesn't matter if you're in the pier or beach. Just make sure you make the right decision in your selection of rods and reels.

3. What is your budget? There are rods and reels that fit on any kind of budget. Like I said, it's not necessary for you to buy an expensive one. Some may cost less but works as good or maybe even better than the ones that are more expensive.

4. How often do you fish? If you use your reels regularly, you might as well get something that will last for so long. This is advisable for people who take fishing seriously than those who just consider it as a hobby. Cheaper ones may be good but they can easily deteriorate over time so select something that is not very expensive but will work for a very long time even with regular use.

Just follow these simple tips and you are surely going to be successful in your search for the rod and reel that you need. These are very practical advices that you will benefit from.

For more information regarding fishing equipment, check out our website that features all the best fishing rods and reels.

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The Secret of Better Bass Fishing - Understanding the Food Ladder

An easy way to quickly improve your bass fishing results is to understand the feeding ladder of bass. As any bass fisherman knows minnows, shad and other small fish are a staple of the bass diet. Any one who watching these small fish circling a fishing light at night has also seen the larger fish that lurk on the outer borders of these circling bait fish feeding upon them as they pass by. A better understanding of the feeding habits of the bait fish will make it easier for you to locate the bass that feed upon them.

The basic source of food for the smaller bait fish is the animal form of plankton called Zooplankton. Where this Zooplankton is found the bait fish will be present in abundance. At the bottom of the food ladder is the diet of the Zooplankton. The only thing that Zooplankton feed upon is the plant form of plankton called Phytoplankton.

Phytoplankton is composed of algae among other things. All of the plant forms that are covered by the term phytoplankton contain chlorophyll. This will cause the water to become discolored or stained when phytoplankton are present in large numbers. A sudden increase in the phytoplankton is also often referred to as a bloom.

When a fisherman is able to locate a bloom then he is certain to be very successful because the entire food ladder will be present in great numbers. The large number of Phytoplankton will attract an increased number of Zooplankton. The increase in Zooplankton in turn will attract large numbers of the small bait fish with the hungry bass following close behind. By fishing the borders of the swarming bait fish the bass fisherman will find that his fishing success will have stepped up to a higher level.

Ken Garrett
For more Bass fishing information go to http://gonebassfishing.com

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Want to Catch More Fish? Read on to Find Some Advice on What Bait to Use!

Choosing which bait to use is a hard task when you are fishing. Below is a list of common baits for you to use when fishing and how to fix them on to your hook.

You should always try to match the bait you are using to what the fish you are chasing are eating. If you think the fish you are chasing are eating shrimp, try using shrimp as your preferred bait. If shrimp on your hook doesn't work, try using another form of bait.

If using shrimp as bait, always place the bait on your hook from the tail end first. This will ensure the bait sticks to the hook rather than floating away in the water. Shrimp is my favorite kind of bait. It is cheap, versatile and many species of fish will hold onto it for dear life.

Any small fish can also be used as bait for larger fish. A gang hook (a series of hooks next to eat other) is best for attaching a fish too. This will ensure your whole fish will not fall of your hook. A whole small fish is best for catching larger fish such as trout and dolphin fish.

Any local species can also be used as bait. If mussels are growing on a pier, consider pulling them off and using them as bait. Always try using the wildlife that you can find around the fish that you are chasing.

A final option of bait is to try using whatever you have. Salami, ham, corn kernals, bunions from toes and plastic straws are just some of the items that have been substituted for bait. Have a go and see what the fish are attracted to. Use your imagination and you might just land the catch of the day.

Have a go and remember, fish may be attracted to one form of bait one day, and another form of bait the next. Keep an open mind and have a go today.

James Fletcher is a boating and fishing enthusiast. His website is a great source of boating and fishing knowledge. Find more useful boating and fishing tips at: http://www.freeboatingtips.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Fletcher

Fishing Local Ponds For Bass

I live in the Midwest and I have fished plenty of ponds and largemouth bass are very adaptable gamefish, they can be found in lakes, rivers, and ponds all across the United States. Largemouth bass doesn't need big water areas to grow to hawg size. Just about any body of water a few years old can produce some nice bass. While cover along the banks isn't necessary, cover in the water with plenty of forage is a must for bass. Even if there is alot of fishing pressure I have 3 techniques that I use to catch some big bass.

1. Early Morning Buzzin - Over the last 36yrs I've learned how speed can often trigger a strike, especially when the water warms up. Buzzbaits have always been great producers of big bass in ponds during hot weather, start throwing buzzbaits right at the crack of dawn up until the sunlight starts to penetrate the water, during this time throw the buzzbait past cover and along edges, the bass are often active and looking for their breakfast. If the water is clear I will retrieve the buzzbait at a faster retrieve than dirty water, if it's dirty water with plenty of cover I'll slow down and put a plastic trailer to help the lure stay on top at slower speeds. I use a 3/8 to 1/2 ounce buzzbait.

2. Spinnerbaits along edges - In most of the ponds that I've fished over the years the bass are holding in a narrow band of weeds or algae running parallel to the bank. Cast your lure along this vegetation by casting from turns (points). Bass hide in this weed edge even if it's floating cover like lillypads, bass usually will not come up and strike a topwater lure during sunny days so I use a willowleaf blade spinnerbait because the flash of the willowleaf blade attracts bass and I can retrieve it slow enough to allow them to react, when I come to an opening in the vegetation I use short pauses to let the spinerbait flutter down into the openings. The willowleaf blade sheds weeds better than round style blades.

3. Frogs - When you have to get a lure in a 6 to 12 inch opening in thick cover surrounded by lure fouling weeds and vegetation my lure of choice is the frog, a weedless, hollow-bodied frog is great for working heavy vegetated surface cover to get the bass to strike. I've tried many lures over the years such as jig and pig, weedless soft baits but my favorite is the frog because it works best getting through the weeds. Cast the frog out and reel it back across the surface of the vegetation to an opening then stop and let it sit there for a few seconds and then give it a few twitches to try and get a surface strike, this really gets bass stirred up. If you don't get a bite there got to the next hole and repeat the same procedure. I use a natural looking frog because my belief is that a frog is a natural food of bass and if it looks like something they naturally eat than I'll have a better chance of a strike.

Article by P. Roberts http://bassfishingbyproberts.blogspot.com/ Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lester_Paul_Roberts