The Fascinating Fresh Water Fishing: The fundamentals You Need To Know

By Nathan Henry

Have you had the opportunity to fish in fresh water? Although some find it to be a faraway relation to other kinds of fishing, it is still one of the best solutions to spend your time. There are numerous lakes around that you can be enjoying practically any time that you would like to. To learn more about it, check out your alternatives here.

Freshwater fishing is done in lakes, rivers as well as streams which have minute quantities of dissolved salts. Fresh water sources are precipitation or melting ice as well as snow. There are numerous fresh water fish species, but some of the most important ones are bass, catfish, pickerel, pike sunfish, trout, salmon, muskellunge, sturgeon and also walleye.

Equipment for Fresh water Fishing

What you'll need for fundamental freshwater fishing equipment includes a fishing rod and also fishing reel, fishing line between 4 and 10 pound-test, a number of fishing weights, various hooks (sizes 6 to 10), floats, bait and also in most locations, a fishing permit or even license. There are a variety of both live and artificial baits that actually work nicely for freshwater fishing.

Bait You'll need

Live bait can be useful for fresh water fishing. Freshwater fish feast on a variety of prey, such as earthworms, insects, insect larvae, frogs, minnows, chub, shad, crayfish and small fish species such as smelt. Freshwater fishing bait such as earthworms, crayfish, frogs, minnows, chubs and shads could be caught in its normal habitat. Look around piers and also in shallow water. Freshwater bait may also be purchased from your local bait and tackle store.

Artificial bait is manmade bait which attracts fish to bite or perhaps strike. This includes plastic worms, insects, flies, small jigs, lures, spoons, streamers, flies, spinners and more. Artificial bait can be purchased from fishing tackle and bait shops or perhaps on-line. A few anglers would rather buy the materials for these types of baits as well as create their very own.

There are a wide variety of ready baits that you could use for freshwater fishing. These include kernel corn, bread balls, cheese balls, egg bags, liver, cereal balls, chicken entrails. Here's merely a short list of some freshwater fish as well as the the lure which attracts them.

Catfish: earthworms, liver, chicken entrails, hotdogs, frogs, tadpoles, crayfish as well as the majority of lures. At times you can even capture them on shiny hooks that have no bait.

Pike: earthworms, frogs, minnows, shad, all types of small fish species, crayfish, chub, spinners, spoons and egg sacs.

Bass: earthworms, insects, insect larvae, frogs, minnows, crayfish, spoons, Mepps, spinners, artificial worms, jigs, streamers and also spinners.

Salmon: flies, spinners, spoons, egg sacs, shrimp and also large plugs.

Sunfish: earthworms, bread balls, kernel corn, insects and insect larvae, as well as small, shiny lures.

Pickerel: earthworms, insects, insect larvae, frogs, minnows, crayfish, spoons and also Mepps, spinners, artificial worms, jigs, spinners as well as streamers.

Walleye: shad, frogs, real or artificial minnows, worms, maggots, spinners, spoons, jigs, plugs and also small fish species.

Trout: earthworms, flies, insects, insect larvae, kernel corn, egg sacs, crayfish and minnows.

Muskellunge: small fish species, frogs, Mepps, spinners, jigs, minnows, plastic trailers and also rapalas.

Sturgeon: frogs, fresh water clams, lamprey, eels, smelt, salmon eggs, shad, shrimp, egg sacs, yarn flies, brilliantly colored and also silver lures.

Go ahead and try it out. If you'd like to learn more about this kind of fishing, you should talk to somebody that's a professional which could explain to you just what you need to do, where to go as well as what to utilize to be successful at fresh water fishing.

About the Author:

Learn more aboutfresh water fishing, then visit http://bayareafreshwaterfishing.org to find the best advice on bay area fishing for your needs.

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Walleyes For Tomorrow - DNR Tagging Project in Wisconsin

River fish move in search of sufficient quantities of critical habitat. Fish seek suitable refuge during periods of high or low water, in the harsh winter and during high-temperature droughts. They travel up and downstream to find food, good spawning habitat and well-protected nurseries.


Dams separate some river fish species from the habitat they need to sustain their populations. Fish populations caught behind dams become isolated and fragmented, unable to tap the genetic diversity that contributes to a population's strength.

Fishways and other methods (elevators, trapping and transferring) that allow fish to travel to their historical spawning grounds help maintain healthy, vigorous populations.

Creating ways for fish to bypass dams could restore ranges for some of our high-profile, endangered or threatened species.

The fishway at the Eureka Dam allows walleye to pass by unharmed.

There is valuable research that's going on right now at the Fox River in Eureka dam area to study how effective the waterways are for fish habitat.

There will 30 walleyes, both males & females tagged this weekend by the (WI DNR) up on the Wolf River system.

Here is a 9.32 lb, 26.5" female walleye that will be tagged with 2 tags on top and near it's dorsal fin and a sonic transmitter in it's stomach. You will find 2 blue stiches in the stomach area close to the right side pectoral fin. This is key to look for.

So PLEASE look to see if you have caught one of these fish, If you do, write down the tag number and send in the number, (NOT THE TAG) and release the fish so the DNR can track the fishes movements throughout the Winnbago system. 
Thanks for your support and help on this project.


Additional Information and Resources:
Walleyes For Tomorrow National Organization: http://www.walleyesfortomorrow.org/projects.htm

Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine: http://dnr.wi.gov/wnrmag/html/stories/2002/apr02/fishlad.htm

Note from She's So Fly:  Thanks Coot for providing me with this information to share with others!  http://cootslures.com/ - also Coot said that there is 100 sonic tags total and that $335 each and it was all donated by fishing clubs through out the Winnebago system.  30 at the Eureka Dam and 70 up at the Wolf river and different marshes that they will be going to this weekend



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An Introduction Into UK Carp Fishing Venues

(Ghost Carp)

By Bern Granger

Lots of people from all backgrounds enjoy angling, with a large majority seeking out UK carp fishing venues. Most will spend an entire weekend or even a week at their favorite destinations in search of their next giant conquest, others will merely have what is known as a day session in the hope of catching their intended targets.

A child's parents take great pleasure in teaching their children how to fish and even when they become better at the sport when they do they will not have any regrets. Initially they will take them to local ponds until they get a taste for it, then they will venture on to more specialised lakes. If they child appears to enjoy the pastime they could take them on an angling holiday.

Serious anglers often enjoy group holidays but often will travel alone. They travel in the hope that they will be able to get away from their day to day work load. The best locations are often destinations that incorporate numerous waters giving the angler a huge choice of where to fish, and maybe even finding that special secluded area holding the biggest fish.

Top locations usually have their own tackle shop, stocked with the latest bait, equipment and offering much needed tips for that particular venue. Each lake will contain different species and a variety of sizes of fish all responding to different baits and tactics on any given day, getting to know the venue beforehand will ensure you are able to carry the correct bait and tackle.

If the simple advisory steps are not followed for any reason it may lead to the competitor failing to catch anything and also it would result in them looking unprepared and inexperienced if they take part in any competitions.

Carp ponds tend to be heavily stocked with mirror, common and ghost carp which will quite frequently range in weight from 4oz to 22lbs. On the other hand Tench can be expected to weigh up to a maximum of 3lb and bream is often found to weigh well over 6lbs. The depth of the water can begin at 5 feet and be up to 7 feet at the deepest parts, if participators plan on venturing in the water the appropriate attire should be worn.

Individuals who plan to go on an angling trip will need to purchase a fishing permit which is needed by anyone planning to fish anywhere by the law. If an individual is caught taking part in the sport without the legal documentation they could be fined.

About the Author:

Make sure to check out the Carp Fishing Tackle site for free information, reviews and a good offering of items. Many beneficial articles or blog posts on Carp Fishing Rods . Visit http://carpfishinggeardeals.co.uk/ today.

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Various Kinds of Fly Fishing Casts

By Mick Moore

The art of casting is a very important technique in fly fishing. It entails gradual, synchronized movements. It helps to consider each motion, both the back cast and the forward cast, as broken down into three steps. The first is loading, the second is the force of projection, and the last is the pause. It will require plenty of practice to become an expert in the art of casting in fly fishing.

There are many varieties of casts. The more typical of these consist of the basic cast, false cast, side and reverse casts, roll cast, and double haul cast.

In fly fishing the least complicated cast, known as the basic cast, is simply casting the line directly back and then directly forward. Everybody not used to fly fishing need to master the basic cast prior to starting with additional tactics. Use a short amount of line for starters if you're unfamiliar with fly fishing. This helps you gain sufficient regulation of the line, while exercising brief gentle motions.

The false cast is an alternative of the basic cast. It consists of the same backward and forward movements as the basic cast, and is instantly accompanied by another set of the same actions. The fly line actually moves backward and forward regularly without coming in contact with the water. Applying this type of cast enables you to develop exact timing that is required in fly fishing.

In fly fishing, the side and reverse casts are likely to be used when wind is a challenge. Additionally, they are used if there are obstacles that can make a normal cast tough.

A roll cast is normally put to use if the fisherman finds himself with his back to such obstructions as a high riverbank or a wall of plant life. When these situations occur, a basic cast is virtually out of the question. You have to let out a good length of line in front of you; it's best to let the current carry it a short distance. The drag of the water on the line will tense the rod, and you can cast forward without having to carry out the back cast.

Employing a double haul cast in fly fishing will enable you to cast a much longer line than is possible with a basic cast. To be able to accomplish this, you need to have a considerably quicker line speed. This is done by generating much larger casting movements, using more strength, and loading the rod more before the forward cast. While doing this cast, the hands of the fisherman must work separately.

These five types of fly fishing casts are the ones implemented most often. There are many other types of casts also, like the S-cast, the parachute cast, and the mend cast.

Casting is the basic physical proficiency included in fly fishing. Its goal is to put the fly precisely where you want it to be, and as with every other skill it takes training. Precision and the delicacy of the demonstration are very important when fly fishing. Mastering the basics of fly casting first will make it less complicated to progress to the more complex casts.

 

About the Author:

Want to find out more about fly fishing techniques, then visit fly fishing techniques on how to choose the best fly fishing casting for your needs.

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Fly Fishing Gadgets

By Mick Moore

Along with the clothing and your balanced outfit there are plenty of products that you should own for fly fishing. A few of these accessories might appear strange, but when wading, it is important to have all of your gear and tools on hand.

You already possess your fly fishing vest with plenty of big pockets, because that is a part of a fly fisherman's fundamental wardrobe. It's advisable to put an area of sheepskin on the front of the vest where you can keep alternate flies on hand. You should also have a spring-loaded retractable spool that attaches to your vest to hold a pair of nail clippers. They come in very handy for cutting knots. You might want to attach a patch of rubber for straightening leaders. Ideally, the vest should have a large back pocket to carry light rain supplies. Some vests additionally have a band at the back of the collar, where you can attach the net to keep it out of the way.

The selection of your fly containers is critical. You need to have large compartments where you can stash dry flies without smashing their hackles. You should also have a couple of smaller boxes with foam linings and metal clips. These are for keeping your wet flies, nymphs, and streamers. Having a handful of small vials to hold your dry of flies after catching a fish likewise is very useful.

A spare spool for your reel, already loaded with backing and line, is a good idea to have with you. Also a number of spools of monofilament leader material, a leader wallet, a sharpening stone, and a Swiss Army knife are fundamental for the fly fisherman to have in easy reach.

Bug repellent is crucial when fly fishing. The main component in lots of insect repellents is DEET, which is an industrial solvent and can ruin the varnish on your fly rod, eat away the coating on your fly line, weaken your leaders and destroy your rain gear. If you do use an insect repellent with DEET be very mindful of what it touches and try to limit its use. There are many products nowadays that do not include that solvent.

Owning an excellent set of polarized glasses will allow you to see the fish and protect your eyes from the damaging rays of the sun. It's also necessary to have a small pocket flashlight with a versatile neck. This really is very helpful for many things including changing flies at sundown or daybreak. Other beneficial products include things like a thermometer, a small container of split shot, a good knife with several blades, and a small first aid emergency kit.

Many fishers like to take a collapsible wading staff with them while fly fishing. It helps them to keep their footing if they are wading in a heavy current or on a slippery, rocky bottom. A small cotton mesh net with a short handle comes in handy for netting your fish. If you are planning to keep your catch a small canvas or weaved willow basket for holding your fish will function effectively.

There are many other accessories available for fly fishing currently. Many of the choices depend on each fisherman's individual needs and wants.

About the Author:

Want to find out more about fly fishing gadgets, then visit fly fishing techniques for trout on how to choose the best fly fishing gadget for your needs.

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Great Tip For Organizing Lures and Tools On Your Fishing Boat

Do you ever suffer from Classic Dis-Organization Syndrome?

Ever get anxiety over disorganization on your fishing boat?  Where did I put this or that?  Of course!  We all have some time or another, especially with life's hectic schedule taking time to find the right size containers, labeling etc to get organized can be very time consuming.  Well...I say stop the anxiety!  I discovered a great product while at the Ultimate Sport Show last weekend in Grand Rapids, Michigan....A Gear grabbar, which is a magnetic lure and tool holder for fishing boats.

Gear grabbar - A powerful magnetic lure and tool holder

Gear grabbar is a brand new fishing boat accessory, an organization station for your fishing lures and fishing tools. This innovative lure holder suspends your lures by using powerful magnets that are strategically placed to maximize utility and provide a strong lure holding platform. The magnetic lure attachment is both automatic and effortless, while providing a safe single lure release to prevent a hook injury.

A Gear grabbar mounts easily to any fishing boat

Gear grabbar takes fishing lure organization and convenience to an entirely new level by offering you the ultimate in versatility and safety for your fishing lures and tools. Go ahead, pile it on… jig heads, topwater, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, worm hooks, spoons, pliers, scissors, hook sharpener, knife, line snips… not only is it SECURE, it is SAFE. So whether you're fishing for pike, bass, walleye or panfish, Gear grabbar is the perfect addition for every boat - from a 10 ft. jon boat to a 20ft. Lund to a charter or fleet fishing boat.... or anything in-between.

•No need to ever touch the hooks again. As you bring your lure close to the lure magnet the amazing magnetic force automatically grabs the hook for you and holds it securely. You can hold your lure by its body, not its hook.


•Gear Grabbar’s magnetic upgrade consists of 9 additional N52 strength magnets which are attached to the 9 permanent lure magnets. Adding this higher power magnet provides approximately 30% more holding power for your lures. The upgrade is useful for the serious angler that fishes and boats in more extreme conditions, driving at higher speeds in rough water.


•Worry less about having your kids and pets on the boat. Gear Grabbar keeps your gear neat, orderly and organized. By storing and organizing your lures and gear with Gear Grabbar you can have confidence that you are being proactive to reduce hook injuries.


•The Gear Grabbar magnetic tool holder offers you reliability. This great feature offers you versatility whether you choose a knife, needle nose pliers, scissors, hemostat, etc. The magnetic attachment will hold whatever your chosen tool is perfectly and securely.


•Gear Grabbar is designed for more than lure and tool safety and organization. The magnetic top shelf is great for securely holding gear like jig heads, hooks, line snips, hook sharpener, etc.

So Stop the madness, save time, and get organized!

Folks, this product is a perfect organization station for your fishing boat - it saves you time and money allowing you to find what you are looking for and not having to go out and purchase another missing tool or lure just because you could not find it out of a massive mess.

For more information visit www.MagneticMarineProducts.com.

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Effective Tip For Catching Winter Steelhead In Muddy Waters After A Heavy Rain

(River Fishing Guide, Gary Bol, and She's So Fly)

When planning a fishing trip, most anglers have to plan their trip in advance due to work schedules, family responsibilities etc. By planning ahead, we all know that we cannot control what weather Mother Nature may bring us. I recently planned a winter steelhead fishing trip on the Muskegon River in Michigan with fishing guide, Gary Bol, from Iceberg's River Guide Service. The day before my trip, it had rained really hard and the river had risen and became muddy, which makes fishing much more difficult.

(muddy river water after a heavy rain)

Fishing for Winter Steelhead can be just as challenging as it is rewarding during the winter months in Michigan. It can be especially challenging when the rivers rise and get muddy after a heavy rain fall and the water current stirs up all the weeds and debris from its bottom. It can also get real irritating for an angler to have to remove weeds from their lures after every other cast in efforts to land that big fish they ventured out into the water for in the first place.

(rubber band tied to fishing line)

One tip I learned from Gary to help reduce the amount of times I would have to remove weeds and debris from lure was to tie a piece of a 1/16" to 1/8" thick rubber band around my fishing line approximately 2 feet from my lure. After tying the rubberband, cut the loose ends so that they extend out  about 1/2" out past the line (as shown in photo).  By doing this, most of the weeds would collect around the rubber band before reaching my lure - leaving my lure weed free for a much longer period of time and increasing my chances of catching a fish.

I discovered this simple tip really works great!...and I caught fish.  I encourage you to try this cheap and simple trick and comment below how it works for you when fishing.

Gary Bol has been a fishing guide on the Muskegon River in Michigan for over 25 years.  His experience and knowledge makes your fishing trip much more pleasant, and his no nonsense approach provides you with more value on your dollar.   To reserve a guided fishing trip with Gary at Iceberg's River Guide Service, call 231.834.9155.

...stay tuned for the entire article of my fishing trip with Gary Bol comming next....

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Today We Fish! Steelhead Fishing On The PM (Pere Marquette) River in Baldwin Michigan

by Brent Vanderstelt

A friend was recently telling me that he had recently purchased a river fishing boat for his 16 old son who loves to fish area streams and lakes. He asked me if I had any tips on fishing the river for area species such as steelhead, smallmouth bass and trout.

I suggested that we hire a guide and let the pro not only show us how to catch steelhead, but teach us different techniques as well. It was my chore then, to not only find a good river guide, but use my resources to find a good deal on this future guided river fishing trip.

(Brent with his prize steelhead)

I am friends with Sherri Russell, the editor of She's So Fly, and enlisted her help me with my task. She contacted several fishing guide services and provided a few options for us to choose from. After reviewing the dates, rivers and prices, we elected to hire 3 steelhead river guides from Marsh Ridge River Guide Service of Baldwin and Newaygo - for my buddy and his son, myself and another brother of mine and his buddy too!

We elected to fish the prized flies only zone of the PM (Pere Marquette) River in Baldwin Michigan. The PM is rich with natural steelhead, the only river left in Michigan that is not planted or stocked – it is sustainable.

The morning of our PM River fishing trip, I was so stoked about fishing that I sent a group text to my brother and my buddies that read "TODAY WE FISH". I even posted this same message as my status on my Facebook page!

(Brent's brother, Lee with his great catch!)

Once we met our PM river guides in Baldwin, we were quickly rushed to the river, boats and gear in tow. Once on the river, we quickly found our first gravel bed with signs on fresh spawning activity. After visiting a few such areas known to hide large spawning steelhead, we came across some fish!

We drifted flies through the holes tied by our PM river guide with a strike indicator. Within a few casts, I had a hit and what a hit it was! I had hooked and landed a nice 13-14 lb male steelhead, also know as a "Buck". Female steelhead as known as "Hens".

The funniest part of the story is that I guess I had neglected to inform my buddies that this section of the PM was a 'no kill zone" or catch and release only as they just about fell out of their boats from confusion when they witnessed me releasing such a beautiful fish!

(Brent's friends son, with his prize hen!)

To make matter worse, my buddies 16 year old also hooked a nice 13-14lb Hen and he just about cried when he was informed that he had to release his fish too.

I caught heck from my buddies for days after about fishing and not being able to keep their catch! I told them that they paid for the experience and expertise of our guides. In fact, our guides did an awesome job in teaching us not only about fly fishing techniques, but also about the river and its rich logging history.

We had a great day of steelhead fishing with good friends and family and a newly found passion for the sport of fly fishing!

Article and photos by Brent Vanderstelt, owner of Your Travel Buddy.


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"She's So Full Of It" - Brain Teaser Special Edition

(professor Caddis Tippet)

This weeks Brain Teaser is brought to you by Professor Caddis Tippett's friend, "Olivia".

(Olivia says..."Take Your Passion and Make It Happen - Don't Be A Couch Potato!")

Olivia will be one of the new "Couch Potato Girls" on the new She's So Fly website coming out soon! The three girls names are Olivia, Anna and Rachel - each girl will be promoting a seperate outdoor activity. Olivia will promote fly fishing.

(sneek-peak of the new She's So Fly website coming soon!)

This is Olivia's first internet appearance, so let's all help her out and participate!

What do the 4 leaves of a 4 leaf clover stand for?

Post your answers in the comment section below!

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Breathe In And Appreciate The Beauty Of Life

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,

but by the moments that take our breath away...

By Hal Johnson


Take Time To Smell Roses And Appreciate Life's Blessings.

Are you so busy and caught up in your day to day life? So busy in your work, in some worries, in your family and everything that concerns it, and also so occupied with the fear about what tomorrow will bring that you don't have even a few minutes to stop and smell the roses around you?

Have you ever thought to spend at least one minute of your day to breathe in and appreciate the beauty of life and all its offerings? Why don't you take the time out and go out to see the wonders of life instead of ending up in the musty, moldy, and dank smell of the harshness that can choke out the life from you?

What beauty am I talking about? I am referring to the blessings that life are offering us-in and around of our lives. And if you are living inside a cell with now windows and everything, it is unfortunate that you are not seeing the amazing work of God through the nature that he has given us. Have you ever stopped and looked at the colors of the trees, the sky, the leaves, or the flowers and then spent a minute embracing and sniffing all of them?

How about the fact that you are also missing the symphony, the never-ending one, of the sounds of nature? Have you tried appreciating and listening to the blowing of the winds, the songs of the birds and even the relaxing sound of silence?

When you are fortunate enough to be living near the sea or the ocean, have you spent an early morning moment and listened to the splashing of the body of water? Do you know that a lot of people will be spending an amount just to get a sound recording of the natural sounds that you may be taking for granted?

And all you have to do is just to stop and spend a few minutes. Nothing more.

We sometimes get so caught up in daily concerns and worries and stress that sometimes life is also giving us that we miss out the chance to enjoy and embrace with open arms the gifts that are just lying around for free. This also made us forget to see the beauty of what we have and then just focus on the thoughts that we don't have much.

Have you ever thought that the icing of your cake-your children, you family, and your friends-are just there waiting for you to smell the aroma that they are baking inside? This smell is actually emanating from inside that all you have to do is to stop and savor it. Do you cherish the joy that hearing them tell you "I love you" is giving you? And do you ever stop and say "I love you" to them too? You will be amazed to see how happy they will be and how you will be happy, too.

Remember that even though we have those ups and downs in our lives, all the good and the bad times, there is still and will always be a place where we can go and soothe our soul, and at the same calm our storms in our lives. All we have to do is to take the time and utter the words 'Thank You' addressed to the world. And it would also do us great things when we can stop for a minute and appreciate the blessings that we are having right now. Take note that these are the essence, the fragrance, of our lives.

Learning to live in your present moment will make you realized how unessential other things-those troubles you think are big. Learn to appreciate and think that we have "this moment" and this is what matters now. Forget the past-it's all gone-stop relieving it daily. Remember that the future is what we are creating at the present.

Finally, it would do you good when you let your heart open up and your eyes wide awake and your nose breathing in the pleasures and the goodness of life in general. Keep in mind that you are the only one who can make the difference in our lives-it can start by noticing all the good things in it. Acknowledge your given blessings-and most of all always stop and take time to smell roses.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hal_Johnson

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New Name, Same Game! - River Scout Guide Service

River Scout Guide Service (formally Scribner's Guide Service) is a full time, year round flyfishing guide service based in Northern Michigan.  Brent and Rachael Borcherdt, will be carrying on the fly fishing traditions that Chuck and Linda Scribner started long ago.

River Scout Guide Service (RSGS) pride themselves on their clean well kept boats, top of the line equipment, and knowledge that only full time guides have about Northern Michigan area rivers and fish. They are fun and patient guides, and promise you that your trip with them will be the finest possible.

RSGS is a fully licensed, insured, and permitted fly fishing guide service. Their FEDERAL and STATE permits allow them to fish on many different stretches of water and at prime times.

Rivers they fish are: Pere Marquette River, Pine River, Little Manistee River, Au Sable River below Mio, Upper Manistee River M-72 to CCC Bridge, Manistee River Hodenpyle Stretch and Big Manistee River below Tippy Dam

Their style of guiding is simple yet extremely effective, they educate while having fun and catching fish. Whether it is teaching a beginner how to hold a fly rod, or teaching a veteran how to refine advanced techniques, they work hard from the start to finish of your trip in efforts to make your experience valued. They assure you that you will leave the river a better angler, with memories that you will cherish for years to come. 

(Owner, Brent Borcherdt - Phone 231-794-8869 )

Visit their site for more information and reasonable rates at: www.RiverScoutFlyFishing.com

Note from She's So Fly: 

River Scout Guide Service is a She's So Fly "Preferred Outfitter".

While I was at the Midwest Fly Show in Michigan, I got the chance to see my friend Brent and meet his wife, Rachel.  I have fished with Brent in the past and just booked a new trip with him this May for brown trout on the AuSable river.  Every thing mentioned above is true - I can assure you that you will leave the river a better angler, with memories that you will cherish for years to come...thanks Brent for being such a great teacher and guide!

Tight lines and fun times!!!

A She's So Fly featured product recommendation:

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Dad, Stop Talking - A She's So Fly "Featured Author" Showcase

Dad, Stop Talking

by Trout Whisperer

My daughter has in her hands, a nine foot, five-weight for the first time ever. She is twelve years old. We're on the Iron River in northern Wisconsin trout fishing. I'm offering many pertinent points on how to fly fish. “Dad I got it.” She does not want any more pointers from me for the rest of today. So I just coach like I’m talking to myself about keeping the back cast up, don’t forget the ten and two o’clock position. “YEAH Dad!”


As her fly hits the water she casts a glance at me and then back at the river’s surface. I say, “It’s a good idea to watch the strike indicator instead of me,” so she will not miss quick hitting fish. “Watch for the fish to hit, okay? Concentrate on the casting and the fishing okay? “Dad if you stop talking I could”. So in my fatherly head I think, “I hope a fish hits, that will teach her.”


The rod silences me as it snaps taught. Even God is on her side. The arc is telling and she responds by raising the rod. Now she is playing the fish by just holding on. Talk about a burst of upstream questions. I reel up and drop my rod on shore as I come in behind her. She asks “What do I do?” “Feather the line through your fingers as the fish lunges,” I say. “Honey, back away to the shore for more solid footing but keep the line tight”...READ MORE....

Note from She's So Fly: Subscribe to Trout Whisperer's blog on kdal610 Radio and enjoy many more stories like this one.

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Midwest Fly Fishing Show's 2011 Guest Fly Tyer - Al Ritt

(She's So Fly meets fly tyer, Al Ritt)

This year's Midwest Fly Fishing Show in Michigan had a great turn out.  One purpose of attending this year was to meet this years show guest "fly tyer", Mr. Al Ritt in person.  Al is a member of my pro staff fishing team for http://www.fishingforacause.com/.  You see, Al resides in Colorado and I live in Michigan, so we have not had a chance to meet in person until this past weekend.  

(custom fly tying by Al Ritt)

Al was busy tying many flies during the shows two day event.  Custom flies are what bring many fly anglers to this show.  I personally love to learn what new patterns that the expert vendors come up with, because I simply don't have enough time in my busy work schedule and personal life to learn this special art in an effective manner...soo I really appreciate and respect Al's talents and expertise! 

Al currently operates his own business, Al Ritt Flies. His focus is on fly fishing education through fly tying classes/lessons and guided fly fishing services. More information about Al's guide services and classes are available on his web site, http://www.alrittflies.com/.  Al's fly designs are available from Montana Fly Company dealers, his own web site http://www.alrittflies.com/ and through http://www.myflies.com/.

One great advantage to attending the Midwest Fly Fishing Show in Michigan is that you can personally talk to all the vendors and discover what type of fly fishing you may want to experience next...you can create your own experience in advance - for example, I reserved a fishing trip with an expert guide, Brent Borcherdt of http://www.riverscoutflyfishing.com/ to dry fly fish for brown trout on the AuSable river in Michigan this May and then ordered some custom tied flies for this trip from Al.  I simply asked Al to talk to Brent during the show and find out what the hatch was going to be during my trip in May on the AuSable river - and then use his expertise and come up with a pattern that he felt would be effective in landing a monster brown trout.  I am very excited to see what he comes up with! 

I want encourage communication during any trade show.  Don't be shy to approach and ask vendors to communicate with each other and help create a custom experience for you...they will be glad you did and happy to help you out...they are not all in competition with each other...they actually appreciate the fact that you are interested in all aspects of fly fishing - besides it is typical for trade show vendors to make their stay reservations at the same hotel near the event location, so they can all network after show hours etc. 

So all of you fly anglers... if any of you ever see Al at a fly fishing trade show, please go up and talk to him and ask him questions about his product / services and learn more about fly tying patterns etc, he is a great guy and would be happy to assist you and make you a few custom flies!

Al Ritt Bio:

Growing up in Michigan I fished as long as I can remember. While living in northern California in the early 1980's I began fly fishing almost exclusively, just shortly after I began tying flies. In 1989 I moved to the northern front range of Colorado where I currently reside. Most of my fishing is in Colorado and Wyoming for trout, but I also enjoy traveling and have made multiple trips to Ascension Bay in Mexico for bonefish and permit, Alaska for trout and salmon, and several states for various trout and warm water species.

While working in the robotics and industrial automation field most of my career, I have also worked for 2 large outdoor equipment retailers and for a local fly shop. Currently I work for PEAK Fishing handling Sales, Marketing, Service, and Product Development for their fly tying and rod building product lines. I've taught fly tying since 1995 both for area fly shops and independently for individuals and small groups. I've also guided and taught fly fishing since 2004. I am currently a pro team member for PEAK Fishing, Whiting Farms, Fishing For A Cause and Flymen Fishing Company. My fly designs have appeared in several books including Colorado Trout Flies by Todd Hosman Streamside Press), 100 Best Flies for Montana Trout by Thomas R Pero (Wild River Press), Modern Midges by Rick Takahashi and Jerry Hubka (Headwater Books) and 100 Best Flies for Colorado Trout by Thomas R Pero (Wild River Press). I have written articles for Fly Fishing and Tying Journal and Hatches Magazines.

Currently I also operate my own business, Al Ritt Flies. The focus is on fly fishing education through fly tying classes/lessons and guided fly fishing services. More information about my guide services and classes is available on my web site, www.alrittflies.com . My fly designs are available from Montana Fly Company dealers, my own web site www.alrittflies.com and through www.MyFlies.com.

(fly tying art by She's So Fly)

Note from She's So Fly:  I would like to personally thank Al for all his efforts in making the sport of fly fishing more successful and interesting!

A She's So Fly featured recommend product:

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Snowboarding Is Dead, Go Fishing In Colorado!

Snowboarding Is Dead, Go Fishing!

By Ursula Romaine


Jill, a 28 year old woman ventures out of her comfortable Denver atmosphere to join the veteran ice fishers for a yearly Twin Lakes Fishing Tournament. For the last 28 years, Jill has gone to the brisk cold mountains, but she has never encountered an experience quite like this one.


Jill is one of many Coloradoans who gets pressured into spending hundreds of dollars on a day trip of snowboarding. But, what if we told you can have fun and not hurt your wallet. Let’s first live vicariously through Jill’s experience of ice fishing and learn how to become an experienced fisher in six easy steps.


She grabs the car seat tightly with her fingers when she sees the parked vehicles on the ice. Then she states, “We can drive on the ice?”


Step one


Ice Safety:


Being aware of the ice is very important. The Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) gives examples of where not to go on the ice, “Beware of ice around partially submerged objects such as trees, brush, embankments or structures.” According to Steve Sunday Lead Wilderness Ranger a person should not fish near a creek that leads into a lake, this sort of circulation makes the ice thinner.


General ice safety thickness guidelines:
2 inches of ice stay off.


4 inches is safe for people to walk on ice.


6 inches is safe for a snowmobile or ATV


8-12 inches is safe for a small car or small truck


12-15 inches is safe for a medium pickup truck


They approach the check-in desk located in a mobile truck lined with foe fur for warmth, to be greeted by five men in their 50-to-60’s. The men are wearing fatigue attire as if in mid-hunt. After checking in Jill flings her pink scarf to cover her face before entering the frigid mountain air and searches for her fluffy mittens to only find one. She thinks to her-self “Do I know what I got myself into?”


Step Two


What to Wear:


Another step to becoming a successful ice fisher is to dress warm. Layers are a necessity at keeping warm throughout a fishing day. The first layer should be long underwear with your smart wool socks tucked over your pants. The next should be a warm sweater and pants. The final layer and key pieces; waterproof gloves, jacket, pants and boots.


As they roll down the boat ramp in a Chevy Tahoe she looks around the lake for some assurance that there are other females enjoying this long lived sport. She only sees tents on the ice and a few mini-houses.


She understands the use of tents but needs more answers so she asks, “What are those?”  Her boyfriend Vern replies, “There called shanty’s you can sit in there and fish over the hole.”  She replies back “huh” while, she scans the lake swiftly then thinking to herself “Where are the bathrooms?!”


Step Three


Bathrooms:


Welcome to the wonderful outdoors, no bathrooms. Unfortunately no solving this problem in the wilderness, just bring toilet paper and hope for a secluded bush. However, if there isn’t a bush near by and you are in the middle of the lake Ineke Leer has some suggestions. Leer has been ice fishing since 1995, and tells us to, “bring a can with a lid, you can utilize that in your fish house.” The container, can be any kind even if it is an old laundry bottle. Leer continued to state if willing, “pee in the tide bucket.”


They park the truck where 15 other fishers are parked. Vern is eager to drop a line in so he jumps out of the car immediately after the ignition halts with eagerness. Jill on the other hand sits there for a second inhales and exhales while zipping, and buttoning to cover every inch of her body. She steps out of the car looking to Vern through a two inch opening for just her eyes.


He looks at her and chuckles “You think you are covered enough?”


“Do you need help?” she asks as she watch’s him use this metal thing that looks like a 3 foot long wine opener.


He says “actually I do, can you scoop the ice out?” She picks up a metal scoop to take out the remaining pieces of ice in the water.


Step Four


Come prepared:


When you ice fish it is important to bring all the right tools. The large wine opener mentioned earlier is called an auger. This can be either a gas auger that is less of a workout or a manual auger that you need to crank by hand. In either instance it needs to be drilled through the ice in order to pierce a hole to begin fishing. The metal scoop is to take out remainder pieces of ice so that your sitting line doesn’t get stuck. Also this will show the fisher if their pole moves, which is a sign that you have a bite.


Vern starts prepping for the day putting what looks to her like fish parts on a hook. “What is that?” she asks with complete curiosity.


He replies, “Sucker meat, a Lead head Jig, and a colored tube”.


“The Jig and tube are kind of cute.” she says with excitement.


Step Five


What bait to use:


The couple fished for Lake trout. But, according to Brian Neufuss a veteran fisherman of 23 years uses: Jigs, minnows or leeches to catch a Walleye. His trophy catch: a Walleye which was six and half pounds. When using bait the important thing is to “lift-pause-drop” according to professional fishermen Chase Parsons who just recently placed second in the AIM (Anglers Insight Marketing) Angler of The Year. “Lift-pause-drop” means to lift the fishing pole, then pause and then drop the pole. Parsons’ explained this technique at the Spring Fishing Classic event on February 26 this year.


Hours pass as Jill waits for the fishes to bite, but nothing. She then goes to the cooler that is lined with lunchmeat, water, sodas, cheese and beer. She grabs a beer. Thinking to herself, “maybe this will help.” And just then she notices that the clouds have just risen over Mount Elbert and she grabs her camera and click.


Step Six


Entertainment:


To many veteran fishermen the entertainment is the fishing in itself. But to some newcomers it may seem a little tedious without a camera or beer. The best suggestion is to bring friends who know what they are doing this way you have the entertainment and the wisdom. Leer suggests to, “bring a friend that you like to chit chat with.” When Leer goes fishing she likes to “lay on the ice and go sight fishing.” This is a way of looking through the ice to watch where the fish are.


Another hour passes, and just an hour before the tournament is over, Jill sees her pole drop she rushes over to it.


Vern yells, “set the hook!”


In her past experience of summer fishing she thankfully knows what that means, which is to pull up on the pole roughly. Unfortunately, she missed it and the fish grabbed her bait. Ten minutes pass and Vern Jumps out of his seat and runs to his pole. Jill watches and waits to see him pull the pole with a firm grip and starts to reel the line in.


Just then he looks over to Jill and smiles. She says, “Did you get it?”


He answers, “It’s a nice one”.


Jill learned what it takes to be an Ice fisherwoman because of the six helpful steps; knowledge of ice safety, what to wear, bathroom techniques, to come prepared, what bait to use and finally keeping entertained.

Note from She's So Fly: Thank you so much Ursula for sharing your experience with us!  I spoke with her after receiving the article and she commented that she wished she would have had prior knowledge of http://www.go-girl.com/ to make her lack of bathroom facilities more pleasant!

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Braided Fishing Line Can Prove To Be Beneficial In Salty Waters

By Isabella Johnson

Fishing is one of many ancient occupations, passed on to generations to generations. In the initial stages fishing world over restricted to lakes, rivers etc; where they could wade in the water in search of fish. From a just a means of living, angling has developed into a modern hobby, with anglers though not professional fisherman, use high technology to catch several types of fish.

New fishing products have been developed and fishing techniques revolutionized. One new product is the fishing line which is braided.


This braided line is very smooth and easily slips into the water. Smoother on the guides, no cutting of the guides happen. It has greater sticking power on the reel.


Because of the braiding it has better strength than the single filament line, nearly five times as much as a result it enables the use of bait and lures which are lighter.


A braided line gets immersed fully in water more easily, wherever the fishing is done. It is inelastic but very strong. Material used is polyethylene and core is made of lead wire.


It is capable of withstanding the corrosion of salty water and with good strength. It is quite strong apart from being durable. The fishing rod should use guides of silicon carbide, for prevention of aberration due to the fishing line.


There are claims that fishing lines which are braided is more strong than those made of steel by about ten times. These lines are multicolored for good camouflage.


Casting is a smooth operation with the braided line. The angler who keeps a good stock of angling materials will certainly keep a braided line as an extra one. Because of the great advantage of using, it is very popular.

(photo courtesy of http://www.swordfishingcentral.com/ )

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