How to Go Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is popular with sportsmen in the north. It's an excellent way to get away from it all or spend some relaxing, quiet time with a few fishing friends. There are a plethora of lures, baits and fishing tools to choose from. Get the basics and get started with ice fishing.

Instructions:

Get Prepared Step 1
Dress warmly. Wear layers to keep your body temperature warm.

Step 2
Visit local sports shops and fishing equipment stores to find out what is biting, what bait to use and where to go.

Step 3
Get a license to ice fish.

Step 4
Pack your bag. You'll need a fishing line and pole, bait bucket, ice auger, bait, lures, bench, a towel, a depth finder, food and water. You might even consider a waterproof heater.
Step 5
Call for ice conditions before you walk out on the ice. It is not always as thick as it looks. The ice should be at least 4 inches thick and hard frozen. Snow depth on the top doesn't count.

Go Fishing Step 1
Find an ice shanty near other fisherman. The locals usually know where the fish are biting.

Step 2
Dig a hole using an ice auger. Skim out as much of the ice chips and remnants as you can. Floating ice can break your line.

Step 3
Use a dip net when baiting your line. It will keep your hands out of the water.
Step 4
Weigh your line down so you can fish close to the bottom of the lake. The water in a frozen lake is warmer at the bottom and most types of fish congregate there.

Step 5
Wait quietly and patiently. Fish not biting? Move down a few yards.

Best fishing days for 2009

Here's a list of the best fishing days for 2009, when the Moon is between new and full.

* January 1–10
* January 26–February 9
* February 24–March 10
* March 26–April 9
* April 24–May 9
* May 24–June 7
* June 22–July 7
* July 21–August 5
* August 20–September 4
* September 18–October 4
* October 18–November 2
* November 16–December 2
* December 16–31

The Sun, Moon, tides, and weather all influence fish activity. For example, fish tend to feed more at sunrise and sunset. During a full moon, tides are higher than average and fish tend to feed more.However, most of us go fishing when we can get the time off, not because it is the best time!

Best Times for Fishing
* One hour before and one hour after high tides, and one hour before and one hour after low tides. Inland, the times for high tides correspond with the times when the Moon is due south. Low tides are halfway between high tides.

* During the "morning rise" (after sunup for a spell) and the "evening rise" (just before sundown and the hour or so after).

* When the barometer is steady or on the rise. (But even during stormy periods, the fish aren't going to give up feeding. The smart fisherman will find just the right bait.)

* When there is a hatch of flies—caddis flies or mayflies, commonly. (The fisherman will have to match his fly with the hatching flies or go fishless.)

* When the breeze is from a westerly quarter rather than from the north or east.

* When the water is still or rippled, rather than during a wind.

Tackle-Box Checklist

* Fishing line
* Bobbers
* Swivels, to keep fishing line from twisting
* Leaders
* Sinkers
* Different sizes of hooks
* Pliers, to help remove hooks
* Stringer, to hold all the fish you catch
* Sharp knife
* Ruler/scale
* Flashlight
* First-aid kit
* Insect repellent
* Sunscreen
* Unscented soap to wash your hands before handling bait. –suggested by Jerry Buerge

* The best way to fish in South Texas with chicken liver, is to let it sit a while in the good Texas sun, sprinkle a little garlic powder and a little chili powder. This combination makes the liver pasty and it will stay on your triple or single hook with little to no problem. I do offer a warning, that pow you will feel on your line is going to be one big Texas size catfish, so get ready and have some good Texas fishing fun. –Ramiro Vela
* A really good bait I have found is hot dogs with chicken meat. Cut them in desired pieces and set in the sun to 'dry up'. When they are 'dried', they will stay on the hook better. You can put them in a bag in the freezer to keep. Brim and catfish will bite this bait. –Jean Cannon
* The best catfish bait are catalpa worms. You can put what you don't use in the freezer with a few catalpa tree leaves. When you are ready to fish again, take them out and they come back to life. Start reeling in the big cats. –Joey Brown
* To find the big cats, it would help out if you knew the underwater structure of the pond, river or lake. Find DEEP holes with lots of cover as in over-hangs. Gravel pits are a great place to fish for cats. –Todd Heil
* The best catfish bait that I have found fishing for catfish anywhere bar none is shrimp, yeah it's a little costly but let me tell ya somethin' friend, it's worth it. –Chuck Hubbard Jr.
* I am Blackfoot American Native. We live to fish and hunt our meals. A true hint in catfishing is never to use any type of scents (Cologne, powders, perfume, etc.) Don't handle cigarettes or any type of tobacco products without washing your hands before applying baits, hooks, sinkers, new line, etc. The fish know these things. –Tommy Bays
* The absolute best way I know to keep your liver on your hook while fishing is: Buy 1 or 2 old plastic ice trays. Go ahead and bait your hook the best you can. I use a "threading" action. Place the hook and liver into the ice tray and let it freeze throughout the night before you go fishing. When you are ready to go fishing, just twist the old ice trays and take the liver cubes and pack them in a bag and put them in a container of ice. –Chris Payne
* In Kentucky where I live we use bait store crickets and mill worms floated with a bobber. Put three or four crickets and a couple of mill worms on a hook and hold on! You have you try different depths until you find the fish. Once you find them you can have a lot of fun catching all sizes. I have caught them from squeakers to 62 pounds on this bait, so good luck! –Kenny Conley
* I'm 68 years old and fish every chance I get. My daddy always told me to watch the cows. If they are up and eating, go fishing. If they are down resting, you might as well stay home. So far this has worked pretty well. –Edna James
* The best bait I have used here in Bradenton, Fla. is fresh mullet that has never been frozen. Catch them late afternoon or at night. Catch them as long as your leg. Good Luck! –Bill Suggs
* As the water in your minnow bucket warms the minnows will slowly die. They need a very cool temperature to survive. Never put ice cubes in with live minnows. The chlorine in the water stays and will kill your bait. Freeze water bottles then gently place them in the bucket. Usually one will be enough. –Alec Plummer
* Try it all, love the outdoors and keep a bait in the water. You won't catch anything if you aren't out there!

Yamamoto senkos

Fishing with Yamamoto senkos
Fishing with Gary Yamamoto senkos is often a very productive way to catch fish. These baits are the perfect plastic worms for bass. They look like big, thick, juicy worms when left alone to flutter or drift in the water, but they may be made to mimic fleeing baitfish with alternate retrieval techniques.
Senkos are already weighted (as sand is poured into the lure molds along with the molten plastic during their production), and further weight is not necessary unless they are being fished in very deep waters. Sometimes allowing these lures to sink all of the way to the bottom before beginning a retrieve similar to that of tubes and jig and pigs is a great way to fish senkos. They may also be fished like the smaller Zoom finesse worms.
A faster reeling technique is also great at times, particularly when targeting smallmouth bass in rivers. This method also works for largemouth along the edges of ponds and lakes. The worm should be cast, and then brought back with a slow but steady reel, and every few seconds, the rod tip should be twitched up gently. The reeling hand should make a full circle about once a second when reeling the lure steadily, although in very shallow water, it may be necessary to reel faster.
Yamamoto senkos are very easy to rig. When fishing with four inch worms, a 2/0 worm hook is best. For five inch senkos, 3/0 hooks may be used. The hook should be fed directly into the head of the worm, and then pulled out through the side about ½ inch in, and then the hook should be pulled through until the eye is against the head of the senko. Then, the hook point should be stuck into the body of the worm. Colors do not matter too much, as long as dark colors are used.

Although these worms are usually best in the warmer months when they may be reeled faster, enticing bass that are willing to chase baitfish, senkos also work in the fall and spring, especially when they are fished slower and in deep water.

Tubes

Bass fishing with tubes in early fall
Fishing slow and deep is the way to go in early fall. For largemouth bass in early October, tubes, along with jig and pigs, are some of the best baits. The main advantages that tubes have that jig and pigs lack is their ability to be fished faster, and in shallower water. These baits are perfect when fishing shallow edges of ponds or lakes in the early fall, as they are much lighter than jigs.
Larger tubes are best later in the year. These lures should be at least four inches long, and as with most bass baits, tubes in dark, natural colors (pumpkin, watermelon, smoke, black) are best. Tubes are rigged with appropriately-fitting jig hooks, the heads of which should be pushed up into the cavity of the tube, and the eye of the hook should then be poked through the front of the tube. For large tubes, jig heads that way at least 1/8 oz. are recommended, as they sink the baits down to the fish quickly. Tubes are not weedless when rigged this way, so caution is recommended when fishing around stumps and rocky areas. Yamamoto senkos are great alternatives to tubes in places where tubes may snag, because they are rigged weedless.

Retrieving tube lures is easy. They should be allowed to sink, and then reeled after light twitches on the rod, much like the main retrieval technique for jig and pigs. This reeling method will have tubes looking like crayfish, darting and crawling along the bottom. Although these are great lures, and they really work wonders in the fall, they cannot be used in waters full of debris because they snag too easily.

Crankbait

Best crankbait to use in shallow water for bass
There are many different styles of crankbaits, but some work better than others in certain situations, and in shallow water, long, thin, floating crankbaits are some of the best baits for bass.

Although there are many types of floating crankbaits, the Rapala original floater is the best one to use in shallow water for bass in the spring and summer. This bait swims well, is easy to cast and maintain, and looks very much like a real minnow.

Rapala original floaters in silver, shad, fire tiger, perch, and gold color patterns are some of the best bass baits out there, and they are likely the most standard and effective crankbaits. When bass are feeding on shiner minnows, silver, shad, and gold baits are best. When small bream are around, perch is the best color, and in ponds or lakes with frogs, it may be worth throwing a fire tiger crankbait.

These baits are great in shallow water because they ride high in the water column, which helps to avoid snags. They are best when reeled slow and steady, and they work particularly well around spawning bass. These crankbaits are also some of the best bass lures to use around structure.

crankbaits

Fishing with crankbaits for bass
Crankbaits (plugs) are often some of the best baits to use for bass. There are many different types of these lures, all of which are productive at certain times.

Spring might be the best time of year to fish with crankbaits for bass, as fish tend to become more active, and prey more heavily on baitfish after the cold weather of winter has gone. Fishing crankbaits along drop offs and structure, and in rivers, retreiving them steadily along the shore are some tactics to employ when using crankbaits. They are best when fished like spinnerbaits.

Deep diving crankbaits, and suspending ones might be better lures to try in deeper waters, as only bass feeding on the surface are likely to see and pursue floating baits. However, deep diving crankbaits are likely to snag grass, algae, and any debris that might be on or near the bottom (with their treble hooks), so it may be better to use other baits in waters full of potential snags.

Some top crankbaits to use for largemouth and smallmouth bass are those made by Bomber, Bandit, Rapala, and Yo Zuri. Brown, gray, and silver baits usually work best for bass, but sometimes, particularly when frogs are an abundant source of food for bass, fire tiger (chartreuse, orange, and black) crankbaits are very productive.

Crankbaits are very productive in spring and summer. These lures are some of the best bass baits to use when the waters are warming, but caution must be used when fishing with crankbaits, because, with treble hooks, the baits are prone to snagging anything that they can.

Jig and Pigs

Best jig and pigs for smallmouth bass
Although bass are often not too picky, at times slight differences in baits seem to make or break a fishing outing. Brown jig and pigs usually work very well when the water is clear, but when it is stained, it may be a good idea to use black lures, as the brown seems to get lost in the muddy water.

Black and red, and black and blue jigs with all black trailers are likely the very best color combinations to use at any time, and when the water is off color, jigs in these colors may really outshine all others. The Strike King pro model jig in colors with black, rigged with a black Zoom chunk (pig, or trailer) is perhaps the very best bait for smallmouth bass in the fall, as it is big and bulky. In late spring and summer, smaller, lighter jigs, like the Strike King bitsy bug jig work well too.

The proper amount of weight for a jig is determined by water depth, temperature, and time of year. In warmer months and in shallow water, a 1/4 ounce jig can be fine, but in the fall and winter when the water is colder, and in very deep water, large jigs of at least 3/8 ounce are best.

Even small bass can handle big baits, and large jig and pigs are exactly what big, fat fish are looking for, so, when possible, fish big. The best jig and pigs for smallmouth bass vary from time to time, but for the most part, big, black jigs with black chunks are most productive.

Strike King Spit-N-King

Strike King Spit-N-King topwater lures
Although only one color (sexy shad) is available, Strike King Spit-N-King poppers are available for $3.99 from Cabela's, which is a $2.00 mark down from their usual cost.

These poppers are very similar to Rebel Pop-R poppers, but they are only available in the one color. However, $3.99 is a great price for these baits, which can be used successfully in the warmer months.

Try throwing poppers to structure, such as logs, rocks, and wooded coves in lakes in ponds. Anywhere that frogs or baitfish are likely to be found on the surface by bass is sure to be a great place to fish these lures.

The sexy shad color pattern for the Strike King Spit-N-King poppers has a blue-gray back, fading to light gray and white on the underside, and it has fish scale markings, a gill spot, and a yellow lateral line. The lure also has a pair of treble hooks, the back one of which has a feathered tail. The poppers are 2 1/2 inches long, and they weigh 3/8 oz.

These poppers are realistic looking and effective, and they are presently only $3.99 at Cabela's.

Black buzzbaits

Use black buzzbaits when fishing for largemouth bass at night
When fishing for largemouth bass at night, no lures are better than those that make some commotion. As visibility is severely limited for the fish, a black bait, that silhouettes against the sky as it rides noisily across the surface is perfect. Buzzbaits are similar to spinnerbaits, except their blades are more like propellers, which make more noise. Noise is a good thing in a lure at night.

Use black buzzbaits for largemouth bass at night. These baits are noisy and slow, and the black color is most visible when fish look up, as the sky is lighter, and the bait will be spotted more easily if it is dark. Try to keep the baits near the surface.

Cast to structure, and fish in medium depth water, if possible. Retrieve buzzbaits slowly, and keep them on a steady reel. Keep casting to the same promising looking places over and over, as it may take bass a little while to get into attack mode, and to locate the bait at night.

There are a number of great buzzbaits available from many different bait companies. Just make sure to use black, or very dark buzzbaits when fishing for bass at night.

Spinnerbaits for bass

Fishing with spinnerbaits for bass
Spinner baits are at times some of the best lures to use for both smallmouth and largemouth bass. They work in rivers, lakes, ponds, and even in saltwater for red drum. These lures are similar to buzzbaits, but they are less noisy.

Spring is one of the best times of year to use spinner baits. When the water begins to warm after the winter, bass lose their sluggish ways, and begin to pursue schools of baitfish, particularly along the edge of the shallows. Fishing with spinner baits and crankbaits is also very productive when the lures are reeled steadily at a medium pace along drop offs and cuts, and around structure.

Casting directly out into the water, letting the lure sink, and then beginning a slow retrieve is another successful way to fish spinnerbaits. This is usually better in deeper water, as fish are less likely to notice the lure when it rides just below the surface, which is fine in the shallows, but getting the lure down may be necessary in deep water when fish are not feeding on the surface.

Spinnerbaits are some of the only bass lures that seem to be steadily successful when they are colored brightly. As bass usually prefer brown, gray, olive, and black baits, spinner baits are sure to work in yellow, chartreuse, and white.

These lures are very easy to use. As with many other baits, such as jigs, crankbaits, and spoons, there seems to be one steady rule to fishing with spinnerbaits that does not apply to soft plastic lures. The reel (retrieve) must be constant, as twitches in the rod or on and off reeling often causes the lure to tangle, and takes away from its appeal, as the blade stops spinning.
Spinnerbaits are some of the best bass baits at certain times, as they may be fished in the shallows, in deep water, and around structure with success. For bream, small spinnerbaits, like beetle spins may be used.

Fire tiger

Using fire tiger colored baits for bass
Bass usually prefer dark, natural colored baits, but at times, fire tiger lures, which have chartreuse, orange, and black patterns, are very effective.

In late spring, summer, and early fall, fire tiger lures can be some of the best baits for largemouth bass. As frogs, which are colored much like these baits, are out and about during the warmer months, fishing the edges of ponds and lakes with bright lures can work very well.

Fire tiger colored Rapala original floaters and other crankbaits are very productive in farm ponds and golf course ponds in summer, as they mimic frogs, which largemouth bass will engulf whenever the opportunities are there. Poppers in this color pattern are also very productive when frogs are around. Chartreuse and orange spinnerbaits are very productive when fished high in the water column in the summer, too.

Fishing around structure is a great tactic when using fire tiger colored baits. Retreive the lures slowly and steadily, and often, bass will come up to bust them. Usually fire tiger colored baits work best near the surface, and they should not be weighted and fished deep.

Best poppers

Best poppers to use for bass- some of the best lures for largemouth bass in summer
Although poppers generally work only when bass are feeding on the surface for schools of baitfish, frogs, or insects, they are a blast to use when they are effective. Following are a few modestly priced poppers that work very well for largemouth bass.

Cabela's fishermen series top poppers are excellent lures for largemouth bass that retail for $2.99-$3.99. They are flashy and realistic looking, as well as durable. The baby bass color, and chartreuse orange tiger color (which looks like a frog) are great patterns to use.

Rapala skitter pop poppers are some of the best lures for largemouth bass in summer. These baits cost $8.29, and they are available in many color arrangements. Rapala skitter pop poppers have three great colors that have them looking like frogs, which are lime, frog, and fire tiger. Try these baits near the shore or around structure, particularly in farm ponds or golf course ponds.

Rebel Pop-R poppers, which are available for 5.49 are also great poppers that have double treble hooks and a tail. Try the Tennessee shad color pattern near structure.

These are some of the best poppers for bass, and not one of them places a serious strain on the wallet. Poppers are some of the best lures for bass in summer not only because they are often very productive, but also because fish explode on these baits violently, making them a blast to use.

Frogs lures and baits

Frogs lures and baits for bass- some of the best bass lures in summer
In the summer, when waters are warm, frogs are very common around the edges of lakes and ponds. Largemouth bass love to eat these tasty amphibians, and that is why topwater frog lures can be very productive in the warmer months. Following are a few frog lures to consider for bass in summer.

Cabela's fisherman series chuck-It frog juniors are great frog baits to use in the shallows and around structure. These lures are available in a number of froggy color patterns, and they retail for just $3.99.
Scum frog lures from the Southern Lure Company are also great frog baits for bass. The scum frog in the pumpkinseed color pattern is great when fished slowly, and with rod twitches around logs and brush piles near the shore.

The Rapala skitter pop popper is not only one of the best all around poppers for bass, but in the lime, frog, or fire tiger color patterns, it really does look like a struggling frog. Fish this lure very slowly, with small pops in coves and along the shore for bass.

All of these baits are some of the best bass lures in summer, and they are also great fun to use, as surface lures usually trigger bass to explosively bust on them.

flukes and soft jerkbaits

Using flukes and soft jerkbaits for largemouth bass
Flukes and jerkbaits are lures that look like minnows, and they are great when fished weightless for largemouth bass in the shallows.

As bass move into shallow water in the summer to pursue bream and baitfish, soft plastic baitfish imitations, like flukes and jerkbaits can be some of the best bass lures to use, and as they are fun to fish on the surface, anglers should make sure to have a few of these before setting out.

Soft plastic jerkbaits of all sizes are relished by bass, and though they may be fished with weighted slider heads in deeper water, these lures are often best in the shallows. as they are very light, fishing these lures slowly with twitches and rod jerks will keep the baits near the surface, where bass will come up to nail them

Although largemouth and smallmouth bass usually prefer natural colors, white jerkbaits and flukes often work very well. Pumpkin and watermelon colored baits should also be fished. Some top jerkbaits for bass are Zoom super flukes, Bass Assassin flukes, Lunker City slug-go baits, and Gene Larew sluggers. These may all be rigged on offset worm hooks.

When the weather is warm, and bass move into the shallows to pursue baitfish, try fishing with flukes and soft jerkbaits, which are some of the best baits for largemouth bass at times.

Plastic worms

Best colors to use for plastic worms for bass
Although many different colors and color patterns are available for different types of plastic worms for bass, there are a few colors that are almost always most productive.

Although all plastic worms can work at times, try to avoid bright colored baits, like those that are bubblegum (pink), chartreuse, orange, purple, white, bright green, and light blue. Soft plastic worms in these colors do not seem natural, and they can frighten fish.

Use dark colors as much as possible. Shades of brown, like pumpkin, are great colors. Gray colors, such as smoke also work well, and olive green colored baits, like those in watermelon and green pumpkin are also superb. All black lures can work well at times.

A little bit of flash in the flecks in plastic worms is alright, but generally bass baits that are not too flashy, and are duller in color are most productive. The only times that bright colored plastic worms work very well are days when the water is muddy or stained, and visibility is low.

When fishing for bass with plastic worms, make sure to use colors that look dull, dark, and natural. Bright colors often look out of place, and can frighten fish away.

Zoom brush hog

One of the best bass baits for summer- Zoom brush hog
Zoom brush hogs are the fundamental salamander baits for bass. They are some of the best bass baits in summer.

Zoom brush hogs are big salamander lures that may be fished without weight in shallow water near the shore, or with weighted jig heads or on Carolina rigs in deeper water. These baits are soft plastic, and they have great motion, so working them slow along the bottom will have them looking like real, swimming salamanders.

Fish these lures with offset worm hooks, which will keep them rigged weedless. Try using dark, natural colored lures, like brush hogs in pumpkin, watermelon, and black color patterns. Never reel these baits fast, but rather keep them moving slow even in shallow water. Twitch the rod a couple of times every once in a while to move the bait even when letting the lures dead drift.

Zoom brush hogs really are some of the best bass baits in summer, because they look realistic, have great motion, and are easy to fish. Fishing these lures correctly will result in hookups with nice fish.

Top 5 Bass Baits for Fall

In fall, larger, slower baits are better than the smaller, faster-reeled ones that work well in summer. Following is a list of the top five lures to use for largemouth bass in the fall.







Jig and pigs
Jig and pigs are among the very best baits for smallmouth and largemouth bass during any rime of year, but in the fall, they truly eclipse most other baits. Fishing these baits slow and deep is best.






Tubes
Tubes are essentially smaller, more versatile jig and pigs. They work well year round, but their retrieve should be slowed during the fall. However, on warmer fall days, fishing tubes like they would be fished in the summer is often productive.




Gary Yamamoto senkos
Yamamoto senkos are probably the best all around soft plastic worm for largemouth bass. In fall, large, dark senkos, fished slow and deep often reward anglers who use them.






Spinnerbaits
Using black spinnerbaits along shorelines and drop offs can be very productive. These lures work well in the early morning and late afternoon, and in the fall, they should be reeled slow and steady.




Jerkbaits
Soft plastic jerkbaits, such as flukes can be excellent lures for bass in fall. Largemouth bass often move into the shallows during early fall to chase baitfish, so that they may put on fat for the winter. In early fall, fishing jerkbaits in shallow areas near the shore is a fine fishing tactic.

There are many other lures and baits that work at times during the fall, but these are some of the ones that no angler should find him or herself without. For related articles on bass fishing

Types of the lure

Types of the lure
There are seemingly as many types of lures as there are fish in the sea, here are a few:

Jig
A jig is a type of fishing lure consisting of a lead sinker with a hook molded into it and usually covered by a soft body to attract fish. Jigs are intended to create a jerky, vertical motion, as opposed to spinnerbaits which move through the water horizontally. The jig is very versatile and can be used in both salt water as well as fresh water. Many species are attracted to the lure which has made it popular amongst anglers for years.

Spinnerbait
A Spinnerbait refers to any one of a family of fishing lures that get their name from one or more metal blades shaped so as to spin like a propeller when the lure is in motion, creating varying degrees of flash and vibration that mimics small fish. The two most popular types of spinnerbaits are the 'in-line spinner' and 'safety pin' spinnerbaits, though others such as the 'tail-spinner' also exist.

Spoon
A spoon lure is, in terms of sport fishing an oblong, concave metal piece resembling a spoon. The spoon lure is mainly used to attract fish by reflecting light and moving randomly.

The spoon lure was invented by Julio T. Buel in about 1848.

The design of the spoon lure is simple; an oblong, concave metal piece with a shiny chrome or paint finish, and a single or treble hook on the end.

While the basic principle of design has stayed the same over the years, application and use has changed some. In its beginning, the spoon was simply used to cast and retrieve. However, since trolling motors have become so popular on fishing boats, a new version of the classic was invented.

Plug/Crankbait
Classic plugs float on surface but simultaneously dive under the surface of the water and swim with a side-to-side wobbling movement (hence the alternative name wobbler) upon retrieval. Plugs can dive to either a very shallow depth due a small lip, or to a moderately deep depth (i.e. several metres) due to a large lip. Sometimes plugs are named after their diving ability, e.g. "deep-diver" or "shallow-diver". Plugs can also be designed to hover (neutral buoyancy), sink slowly or sink rapidly. Some have a small metal ball inside to "rattle" when retrieved. They can be finished in a wide variety of colors and color patterns, or printed with very lifelike fish, frog and crayfish patterns.

Soft Baits
A plastic worm (or trout worm) is a plastic fishing lure, generally made to simulate an earthworm. Plastic worms can carry a variety of shapes, colors and sizes, and are made from a variety of synthetic polymers. Some even are scented to simulate live bait.

Generally there is but one type of worm, the plastic worm. This worm comes in a variety of lengths, styles, and colors to attract different fish species. Ironically, the plastic worm sometimes called a "trout worm" is often unreliable as a lure for trout fishing, and therefor many anglers do not use them for trout fishing. Bass and panfish species (bluegill, sunfish, etc) tend to bite these lures more than any species in the water.

Surface Lures
A surface lure is a fishing lure designed to waddle, pop, lock, drop, pulse, twitch or fizz across the surface of the water as it is retrieved, and in doing so imitate surface prey for fish such as mice, lizards, frogs, cicadas, moths and small injured fish. A typical surface lure has a solid body made out of wood or plastic, carries one or two treble hooks, and has an eyelet at the front of the lure body to attach the fishing line. Waddlers get their action from a scooped metal dish attached to the front of the lure body. Poppers get their action from a cupped face carved or molded into the front of the lure body. Fizzers get their action both from the fisherman manipulating the lure with the fishing rod and from one or more blades attached to the lure body, that spin when the lure is pulled and create a fizzing noise said to imitate the buzzing wings of a drowning insect.

Fly
A fly is an artificial fishing lure tied, most commonly, with thread, feathers, and fur, but may also include lead (for weight), ribbon, tinsel, beads, and other assorted materials.

Artificial flies may be constructed to represent all manner of potential freshwater and saltwater fish prey to include aquatic and Terrestrial insects, crustaceans, worms, baitfish, vegetation, flesh, spawn, small reptiles, amphibians, mammals and birds, etc. Artificial flies were originally constructed from various furs, feathers, threads and hooks. Today there are literally dozens of different types of natural and synthetic materials used to construct artificial flies.

Top 5 fly fishing places

5. Henry`s Folk Near Last Chance, Idahto
Considered by many to be America's greates trout stream, "the rapid runs and pocket water of Box Canyon hold large rainbows, but it's the 'Railroad Ranch' section that's notorious for its prolific insect hatches and picky fish (those that eclipse 20 inches). Opening day in mid-June draws fly fishing's best and brightest."
Fish caught there: Rainbow Trout, Yellowstone & Snake River Cutthroat Trout, Brown Trout, Mountain Whitefish, Arctic Grayling

4. Nakalilok Bay Alaska
The site of one of Alaska's most isolated coastal fishing camps "is one of the world's best places to pursue ocean-fresh silver salmon. The silvers show a proclivity toward a pink fly called a pollywog, which they follow on the surface before slamming (engulfing the fly). Once hooked, they cartwheel frantically.Alaska is home to some of the great fly fishing. Nakalilok Bay on the Pacific side of the Alaska peninsula offers remote, uncrowded fishing you can only dream of.

3. Martha's Vineyard Massachusetts
"Striped bass are a big target of New England saltwater fly fishers and this is one of the best spots to pursue them. The Vineyard boasts 125 miles of shoreline, providing ideal striper habitat. When you see squid or baitfish jumping clear of the water, bass wait below. Cast in the middle of the melee and hold on." Cool spring mornings, hot summer nights, and the wild storms of autumn are all a part of fly fishing on the Vineyard.

2. North Umpqua River Oregon
"Since the 1930s, presidents and potentates have plied these clear waters for wary steelhead. Hooking a steelhead here is one of fly fishing's great rewards: long casts and delicate mends often are necessary to entice fish. But when a 10-pounder erupts on your dry fly and tail-walks (streaks) downstream, it's all worthwhile." Is renowned for emerald green waters and its summer steelhead activity, as well as for its salmon runs. Its summer steelhead fishery is considered one of the best on the West Coast.

1. Green River Utah
"The river provides ideal conditions for growing big trout quickly. In the first 7 miles below Flaming Gorge Reservoir, populations of browns, rainbows and cutthroats can approximate 14,000 trout per mile, each averaging 16 inches. Water clarity allows you to watch the fish as they investigate your offering."

5 Best fishing places

For a true fisherman, a hole filled with water is a chalange. We're willing to try out any water with hope catch the big one. Even so, we also want a chance to fish the hottest places with the best fishing. Following are the five locations that promise every fishing trip will be a dream for the real fishermen.


5. Montauk Point
Located in Suffolk County, New York on the South Shore of Long Island. , Montauk Point is on the 5th place in our list of best fishing places in USA,is considered to be one of the best sport fishing locations in the world, especially when it come to Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), the "Grey Ghost" some call it.
Fish caught there: Marlin, Mackerel, Sharks, Cod, Weakfish, Tuna, and Striped Bass.


4. Yellowstone National Park
Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is America's first national park and the 4th in our top. Located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, it is home to a large variety of wildlife .Fishing has been a major visitor activity for well over a century. Fishing continues to be allowed and can complement the parks primary purpose to preserve natural environments and native species, like the Arctic Grayling, Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout.
Fish caught there:Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout,Lake Trout.

3. Key West
The next place in the top best fishing places is ocupied by Key West .It is located at the end of the Florida Keys island chain, a short drive from South Florida.
Fish caught there: Tarpon, Shark, Bonefish, Baracuda.





2. Ozark Mountains
Located in Missouri, the Ozark Mountains area is the next in our top.It is one of the truly relaxed vacation areas in the US. This area is is well known to anglers from around the country seeking Bass and Trout.
Fish caught there: Smallmouth Bass , Largemouth Bass, Potted Bass, Broun Trout, Rainbow Trout.


1. Outer Banks
Finally, coming in number one on our list of the best fishing places in the US is the Outer Banks. It is a 200-mile (320-km) long string of narrow barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, beginning in southeastern corner of Virginia Beach on the east coast of the United States. Outer Banks is the perfect 'back to nature' vacation spot for a fisherman and his family . What makes the Outer Banks such a special fishing place is that it is located along migration routes for monster schools of fish. During the month of November, the Outer Banks offers what is probably the most active, exciting fishing anywhere in the world.
Fish caught there: Albacore, Tuna,Dolphin,Wahoo,Blue Marlin,White Marlin,Sailfish,King Mackeral,Rockfish and much more...

The Best Walleye Fishing Season

Walleye fishing season is the best in spring during and after the spawning season. However, summer nights and fall months are just as good for fishing for walleyes. Just like the weatherman predicting weather that never seems to be correct, the right fishing time cannot be predicted as well. The right season is when the walleye seem to be the hungriest. This would be right after the spawn in spring. After spawning, the walleye rest for a few days before venturing out for food and the beginning journey to the open waters. Now is the best time to fish for walleye.

Even though the weather is a bit chilly, you will find that you have more strikes after spawning then you do all year long. The fish have had a slow feeding winter and the spawn takes everything they have left. They do not feed much during the spawn, so they are going to be hungry. At this time, it best to use small baits. The fish are hungry and ready to feed, but they are eating in small amounts right now in order to build up an almost dormant appetite. By watching weather reports, water condition and temperature reports, you can almost pinpoint the right time to look for walleye in rivers and by the lakeshores.

By tracking the water temperatures, you will have a better understanding of when to get out and start some fishing. Late April into early May will be a good time in some of the northern states such as Wisconsin. The temperatures of the water are just getting right for spawning and there are many areas to fish where the walleye are present. Rivers, small lakes, larger lakes with plenty of underwater rock formations and weeds and along the shorelines in shallow waters are going to be god places to start. The mouth of rivers is a good place to sit and fish for walleye as they start their venture back to the lake waters.

Later in May by the weed beds is a great place to find walleye lurking. You can use a slip bobber and a minnow to drop in right above the tops of the weeds. This a good time to stay in the shallower waters because the water temperature is warmer and the weeds are growing good. The walleye will stay here until the time is right to head to the deeper waters. The best time of day is at dawn and dusk in shallow waters.

Other months of the year are going to be good for catching walleye as well, but you do need to contact some local bait shops for some local reports on how the walleye are biting. Some areas are better at different times. It still stands true that the best time to catch your limit is during and after spawning season in late April to the Middle of May. You want to catch them before they head to the deeper waters where they can hide and not be detected in some cases.

The one thing that all anglers do need to keep in mind when fishing for walleye during the spawning season is to never keep the females before they spawn. This is only going to hurt the walleye population in the future. Most anglers will fish the walleye at post spawning when everything is over and done. During the spawn, the females do not feed anyway, but the males do a little. By waiting until after the spawn, you will have more fish to choose from verses when the fish that are spawning.

Fly Fishing Spots

Fly Fishing Spots- Best Of Them In The USA
Everywhere in the United States quite many exciting and beautiful places exist which are excellent for fly fishing. Following article highlights quite many of the places.


Sitka in Alaska
Sitka, Alaska is one stopover for salmon which heads to Washington, British Columbia, and many other Alaskan waters. In Sitka, the fly fishermen have higher rates of fishing catch compared to other marine areas in Southeast Alaska. To fish in this area the best month seems to be June.


Colorado River in Arizona
The Colorado River is at Lees Ferry in Arizona. It is one among the best spots for fly fishing spots, especially for rainbow trout. The fishes are comfortable whole year round in the 15-mile cold water stretch that flows from depths of Lake Powell and in between the Glen Canyon Dam and upper end of Grand Canyon. The fly fishermen could also book guides and go on flats fishing for around 25 pound carp.


Montauk Point in New York
Saltwater fly fishing would be at its best in Montauk Point, New York. Montauk Point is at the eastern most point in Long Island. It is widely known for the striper fishing. The fly fishermen have many miles of great shoreline where they could cast their fly.


The Gunpowder Falls in Maryland
Gunpowder Falls, Maryland, seems to be an excellent place for catching cold water trout. The deal for starting cold water releases from the Pretty Boy Dam was struck by Trout Unlimited and Maryland state authorities. This resulted in combinations of stocked brown and wild brook, and the rainbow trout. Many of the fly fishing camps is at Gunpowder Falls in State Park.


The Fishing Creek in Pennsylvania
Fishing Creek, Pennsylvania, has always been one among the state's biggest wild trout streams. It usually stays cool all through the summer. There exists a five-mile stretch namely, the Narrows which is near Lamar and that is quite a popular area for the fly fishing activity.


Driftless Area in Wisconsin
Driftless Area, Wisconsin, too, has some great fly fishing streams which are loaded with brown trout. Furthermore, there is an excellent access to many of the southwestern Wisconsin's eight countries and there are around 68 streams in the Vernon County alone. It includes the Kickapoo River and the Timber Coulee Creek. Quite many fly fishermen in the area use the mayfly and the caddis imitations.


The Laguna Madre in Texas
Laguna Madre, Texas, which is full of lakes and rivers that is often excellent fly fishing location. Texas has the southern coast too, which is the world's largest salt-water fly fishing areas. Salt-water flats of the Laguna Madre which is next to the Padre Island are usually full of different varieties of fishes. It makes up for an unusually great experience in fly fishing.


Henry's Fork in Idaho
Henry's Fork, Idaho, holds to be another great destination choice for rainbow trout. If fishing near Island Park area, one could better fish in the runoff conditions.


Lake C. W. McConaughy in Nebraska
Lake C. W. McConaughy, Nebraska, which is the largest lake in the state, has quite good fly fishing done. An excellent fly fishing destination in Nebraska is Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area. It's a series of around twenty sandpit lakes which are carved into Platte River basin. The Red Willow reservoir is one favorite spot of fly fishermen within the area.


Kauai in Hawaii
Kauai in Hawaii is another good destination for fly fishing smallmouth, largemouth, and peacock bass. The Garden Isle has excellent salt-water fly fishing, too.


Whether you like salt or fresh water fly fishing sport, there are lots of spots to fish across the United States which offer fly fisherman endless experiences and opportunities.