The Radiance of Knowing

One of the first things you must do to plan a great fishing trip is to identify your priorities. You need to be more specific than just saying you want great fishing. Great fishing may mean different things to each person in your fishing party.

One person might be happy with catching 20 fish per day, while another might be expecting 30 fish per hour. So, you need to decide this up front.

Let’s take a look at some of the most important things to consider when deciding where to go on your fishing trip.

What type of fish do you want to catch?

While this may seem obvious, it is something that needs to be discussed. One person may want to fish for walleye and northern pike, while others may want to go bass fishing. Since many northern lakes have water too cold for bass, you may end up at a lake that would really disappoint the bass fisherman.

Do you want tons of action? Or trophy fish?

Some anglers simply enjoy catching lots of fish (most any size) with the hope of getting a few big ones. Other fishermen would rather give up catching a large quantity of fish for a better chance at catching the biggest fish they can find. You need to decide which is more important to your fishing group… lots of fish that maybe aren’t the biggest or fewer fish but a greater chance of a really big one.

It should be noted that there are many places where you can do both… catch lots of fish and get some big ones. But, these tend to be at the more remote and pricey lodges and are not always feasible for many fishing groups.

How are you going to catch your fish?

Do you like to troll? Or drift? Fish in streams? Deep water fish?

We’ve seen people trolling in 60 feet of water thinking the fish were only a few feet from the surface. Not much chance of catching anything this way. Be sure you know the type of fishing your group prefers and that the lake will offer it.

What do you want to spend for this fishing trip?

The price you’re willing to pay will have a great impact on the type of fishing trip you’ll have.

Be realistic. How much do you really want to spend? Are you comfortable in a tent or tar-paper shack on a lake with great fishing?

Or would you prefer staying at a more upscale fishing lodge?

Do you want to cook for yourself… or do you want the fishing camp to do the cooking?

And what about shower facilities? Are you willing to use a community shower or do you want a private shower and bath in your own cabin. Gentlemen, if you’re taking your spouse on this trip, make absolutely sure you consider this one! If you don’t, it could spoil an otherwise great trip.

Other considerations are how long the trip will be and the type of fish you are looking to catch. A trip to a fishing lodge on a lake with pan fish and bass will likely be much cheaper that a trip to Alaska or Northern Canada for arctic char.

So, if you really want a great fishing trip, start by planning just exactly what you want out of the trip and how much you are willing to spend. Do it right and you can have the fishing trip of a lifetime.

Visit www.fishingyarns.com with host, Sintilia Miecevole, a site which reveals the thrills of outdoors and the pleasure of fishing. Information from Alaska fishing, deep sea, tackle, boats and trips to ice fishing, gear, lake fishing and more. Visit www.fishingyarns.com for great resource material on fishing.

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The French colony of New Caledonia is the perfect island destination for sportfishing and diving vacation, positioned north-west of New Zealand in the South Pacific.

If you are in to culture, shopping and dining, you will be intoxicated with Noumea, capital of the main island of Grand Terre. With first-class museums, the elegant boutiques of Rue de Sebastopol or the shops of Chinatown, and restaurants both casual and exclusive, Noumea has been called the Paris of the Pacific. But Grand Terre is capsulated by its greatest treasure, the world’s grandest coral lagoon and second largest coral reef, where marine life bristles.

Due to the southeast trade winds and New Caledonia’s situation as one of the southern-most pacific islands, New Caledonia basks a temperate climate all year round. With consistant warm and sunny days there are endless opportunites for diving and fishing jaunts. Idyllic coral and underwater canyons and caves offer the background for exquisite dives and rich sportfishing.

Fishing holidays in New Caledonia is suitable for any type of fisherman. Guided charter boats for deep sea and big game fishing; cruisers and catamarans for rod, spear, and fly fishing; or small, local boats are all accessible for rent. New Caledonia is known by fishermen across the globe as one of the greatest and most gorgeous bone fishing locations in the world. Fisherman flock to this part of the globe desiring to break records as the fish are renowned for their strength and speed.

The small islands that make up New Caledonia are perfect for diving and snorkelling. Clear turqouise waters, white sand beaches, over 900 varieties of coral–some only found in New Caledonia, and more than 15,000 species of marine life offer divers a myriad of sights and experiences. Full and half day trips work out of Noumea, and equipment is on hand through expedition operators and resorts. Whether diving in the tranquil waters of Ile des Pins or night snorkeling where special torches illuminate fluorescent coral, New Caledonia is a diving holidays paradise.

New Caledonia is the perfect location for all sportfishing and diving experiences and delights.

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Jack Karpawack here.

Well, as I suspected, there was no high speed internet available from my “YURT” on the Henry’s Fork.
So, I am back in the friendly confines of Southern Oregon ready to give you some recent fishing reports from the famed Henry’s Fork of the Snake River…

…Pulled into Last Chance, Idaho on Monday afternoon.A hot and dry July 18th.

An extensive search of the “nine or so” existing businesses in Last Chance, left me in quite a quandry.Or was it a quagmire?? I’m not sure.

Anyway.

Which of the four fly fishing/ outfitter shops should I go into first for information, a license, and a lightening of my wallet. Actually, it was five choices if you count the general store==or six if you count the “Angler’s Lodge- which also has a fly shop.Heck, who knows the restaurant and the remaining businesses may have carried fiahing gear also!!

At least my keen sense of business tells me that a fish or two must have been caught in this area.Either that, or the largest black market fly tying operation is run out of this “bump in the road” here in Idaho.

Like “Goldilocks” I look at one shop and decide it is too hot! (large) Another is too cold! (has the Orvis name and a yuppie feel to it) The other is juuust right! –O.K.– I know that leaves a couple other shops, but stick with me here– it’s just a story cowboy!!

I wander in and it feels right–small and unassuming–nothing to intimidate me so far.

“Hi, can I help you.”

Now that’s a good start.

“Yes, I need to get a license, some info,and some flies.”

“In exchange. you may have this wallet stuffed with twenty dollar bills.”

“Fair enough.” said the young employee.

“How’s the river fishing?” I ask, waiting for the usual- ‘we are knocking them dead’ reply.

“Actually, kinda slow. A few fish in the early morning and some hatches coming off late in the evening.”

“How about Henry’s Lake?”

“Bigger fish-but about the same.”

“O.K., well how about giving me about half a dozen patterns to try on the river, and a couple patterns for the lake.”

He is more than happy to do this, and gets me set up with a couple different leeches for the lake, and some rubber legs and bead headed droppers for the river. I have plenty of different sizes of pale morning duns, caddis and callabaetis patterns, so I am pretty set for and drys in the evening. He tells me that the railroad ranch is fishing pretty good in the evening and that Box Canyon is the place I should try some nymphing in the morning. He even points out a spot on the map for me!

Now that’s service.

I am feeling pretty good as I head for the door with minimal damage afflicted on my bank account, and more information than I expected to get–but then I spot the 40% off rack.

Seventy-five dollars later, I am back in my truck heading for my first rendevous with the famed Henry’s Fork…

To be continued…

A.J. Klott
Author, writer of fishing humor,and “fly tack” peddler.A.J. writes about the people,characters and modern day events that surround the fishing world. His first book is due out in December of 2005.
If you need a laugh or a fun gift, visit his website at:
http://www.twoguyswithflys.com

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You and your family are heading out early in the morning for a day of fishing in your brand new fishing boat. You hit that highway that leads to the lake, excited voices echoing throughout your SUV. Your wife and kids are just as delighted with the new boat as you are and are discussing the whopper they hope to catch. You arrive at the lake, launch the runabout that contains the entire family’s fishing gear and in no time at all, you are skimming across the water, every family member safely encased in a lifejacket. You just know that this is going to be a great family outing and everyone loves the new fishing boat.

A fishing boat can be anything between a canoe where you dangle basic bait over the side in a river or stream to a powerful cabin cruiser or yacht. Basically, all you need to get out onto the water is a vessel that is seaworthy. There are a large variety of fishing boats available on today’s market. You can buy them at boat shows, fishing shows or dealerships. Let’s look at some different types of fishing boats.

Freshwater Fishing Boats
If you enjoy fishing in freshwater rivers, lakes and streams, leave the big, powerful boats for someone else. Choose a fiberglass or aluminum boat that is lightweight and easy to transport. A bowrider, runabout, walleye boat or a boat with a small or dual console will meet all of your freshwater fishing needs. These boats are perfect for family outings.

Bass Boats
Bass boats ride low in the water and are usually very colorful and extremely fast. They can be aluminum or fiberglass and most often they are equipped with platforms in both the bow and stern for easy casting. If you’ve always dreamed of owning the perfect bass boat, be sure to buy one that has a trolling motor mounted on the bow. These boats are mainly used for sport fishing and tournament fishing.

Offshore Saltwater Boats
If you enjoy heading out on the open sea for a day of saltwater fishing that includes huge fish and heavy tackle, you will need a heavy boat that is dependable and can be relied on in all situations and weather. Anything less than a cuddy cabin or center console that’s equipped with either twin or single outboard motors will not fit the bill. The high end of an offshore saltwater boat is a bluewater or convertible that comes complete with luxury quarters and elaborate salons. These boats should be equipped with inboard diesel engines that have maximum power.

Inshore Saltwater Boats
If you’re planning to fish for tarpin, bonefish, trout and snook or redfish on tropical flats, a light boat will take you a long way. This type of boat should always be less than a 25-footer and powered by a single outboard motor. The best type of vessel for inshore saltwater fishing is a basic bay boat or flat boat. Both types of boats offer a spacious deck for casting and float well in shallow water.

Float Tubes
Float tubes are devices that allow fly anglers who don’t own a boat easy access to get out onto the water. They are excellent for fishing ponds, lakes and mountain streams. Essentially a float tube is a floatation device that is equipped with a seat. The angler sits in the seat while wearing fins and kicks his way around while partially submerged. Fly fishing from float tubes can be difficult, especially for those who are using them for the first time. It definitely takes time to hone your fly casting skills from a float tube.

There are two basic types of float tubes - traditional and pontoon. Traditional float tubes are usually round and have an opening in the front or middle. Basically, these are an inner tube with built-in features for fly fishing. These float tubes can take a lot of time to maneuver because they are round in shape and cause a lot of water resistance.

The newer pontoon float tubes are much easier to use. These are equipped with two pontoons, or air chambers, one on each side of the fisherman. Pontoon float tubes have less water resistance and offer far less drag than traditional ones because the pontoons are V-shaped and move through the water almost effortlessly.

If you are thinking of purchasing a fishing boat, shop around, talk to anglers who own their own boats and do your research to help you decide which type of boat you’d like to have. If you still can’t make a choice, talk to a boat fishing guide or the owner of a fishing charter service. They will be glad to give you tips on how to choose the perfect boat for you.

Michael can be found online at www.fishing-blog.com.

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Have you ever enjoyed the pleasure of spending an afternoon boating on a lake or an ocean? If so, then you know how fun boating can be. You know that there is nothing quite like the feeling of being on the water and enjoying time in beautiful weather.

Boating is a great activity for many reasons. First, it is great because it allows people to be outside in the beauty of nature. There is no better way to spend a spring, summer or warm fall day than boating. Not only do you get to be outside, but you also get to enjoy being in and on the water. Boating enables you to enjoy the warmth and the sun. It is necessary and helpful for people to get outside and boating is one of the best ways to do that.

Boating also provides time for family and friends to gather and enjoy the company of one another. Busy families can get away from the rush of work and activities and enjoy a quiet day away from all distractions. Boating can be a perfect activity that combines rest, beauty and fun. Friends can come together for a day or a weekend and enjoy renewed friendship and conversation during a special boating trip.

A great thing about boating is that it includes several different ways to have fun. Boating allows you to enjoy the quiet and peace of anchoring at a spot on the water or you can enjoy the wind in your face as you speed from one side of the water to another. For many people, boating also means swimming, tubing, and even waterskiing. Once you are out on the water there are so many ways to enjoy the day. You can anchor the boat and spend hour after hour jumping into the water and swimming. More adventurous people will want to try out a tube or a waterski to enjoy boating even more. Some will love the thrill of watching the tubers or the waterskiers from the safety of the boat. Whatever water activities sound fun to you, boating is a great way to enjoy them all.

If you have never learned how to handle a boat you can take lessons and learn how to lead your friends or family in a boating adventure. If you do not own a boat and are not sure if purchasing one is right for you, look for a family member or friend to lend you theirs for a weekend boating excusion. In no time you will be so excited about boating that you will want to purchase your own. Your family and friends will look to you to provide the endless hours of outdoor fun that
boating is sure to provide.

A lover of boating, Julee Mitchelsin advises everyone who loves to be outdoors to invest in a great boat. See if boating is right for you at www.fineboating.info

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If you’ve never had the experience of being at the helm of a yacht as you sail through the crystal waters of the Virgin Islands, then consider making that your next vacation goal. A variety of yacht rental and/or vacation facilities are available that will provide you with a complete line of vessels from which to choose for your luxury excursion.

Yacht Chartering Services

+ Bareboats BVI - Located in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, this facility offers a comprehensive line of yachting models and services. Complete with Caribbean sailing charters, motor yacht vacations and crewed yachting holidays, there’s something for everyone - with every level of experience - at this premier yacht chartering establishment. They can be located online at www.bareboatsbvi.com.

+ Island Yacht Charters - Be the skipper of your own chartered yacht or rent a crewed charter when you choose a vacation package through this top-of-the-line Caribbean facility. Located in the Red Hook area of St. Thomas, these folks also offer land packages which include accommodations at Villa Nathalie - a two-bedroom villa on the island’s east end. For more information, visit their website at www.iyc.vi.

+ St. John’s Classic Motor Yacht - Complete with public cruises and private charters, this establishment - located in Cinnamon Bay - offers a variety of vacation and charter packages. Destinations include Virgin Gorda, Outer Cay and Norman Treasure Caves, and will personally customize your trip to accommodate up to 40 guests. Their luxurious yachts include amenities such as spacious salons, teak and mahogany construction, awnings, oversized sun decks, on-board heads and more. Visit their website at http://motoryachtcinnamonbay.com to check out their vessels and vacation options.

+ Destination BVI - This wonderful online travel facility allows you to charter a yacht, plan a vacation and virtually tour the surrounding areas that you may choose to sail by visiting www.destinationbvi.com. Both motor and luxury yacht charters are available to guests, as well as special holiday options that are available during designated times. Whether you prefer a sailing yacht, motor yacht or luxury crewed yacht, you’ll find what you’re looking for at Destination BVI.

+ VIP Yacht Charters - With more than a dozen models to choose from and a variety of locations throughout the 75 islands which comprise the Virgin Islands territory - including both the US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands - VIP Yacht Charters offers comprehensive packages for vacationers who are looking for more than the run-of-the-mill boating excursion. Their website, www.vipyachts.com, includes fully linked pages that provide information on all aspects of your Caribbean vacation.

Amenities and Activities

For the most part, the basic types of activities and amenities that can be expected from a yacht chartering vacation are pretty much the same, regardless of which facility you choose for the planning of your excursion.

Although the particular attractions will vary from one destination to another, you can expect to enjoy excellent opportunities for fishing, water skiing, wind-surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving and kayaking, in addition to other water-related sports. For those who prefer to soak up the sun at the water’s edge, there are plenty of beaches throughout the Virgin Islands, and most of the chartered yachts are equipped with spacious decks that are just right for getting a bit of sun without ever leaving your lodgings.

If you’re booking a crewed yacht charter, or taking a group tour with others on a luxury yacht, then the menu is often prepared in advance, offering a delectable assortment of foods that will appeal to just about everyone. In addition, most will offer custom dishes for those who wish to enjoy a special favorite, since the chefs that accompany such cruises are generally pleased to accommodate guests in such a manner. Other amenities include a wide variety of luxury items, specific to each model.

For a great sea-going vacation in the Virgin Islands territory, treat yourself to a chartered yacht, and enjoy the best of all possible worlds.

Carla McNamara reveals news and information over at her website at www.luxury-yacht-charters-guide.com, a specialized source on yacht travel tips around Virgin Island yacht charters www.luxury-yacht-charters-guide.com/virgin-island-yacht-charters.html and other Caribbean regions.

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Bass Fishing is becoming just as popular as a day out at the zoo or a picnic in the local park. Family day outings are now involving bass fishing. At this present moment in time Bass fishing is supposedly to be the number one freshwater sport in the USA and anyone who participates in this very self fulfilling sport will proudly tell you why. Approximate figures show that the bass fishing industry is between 65 to 70% higher than most other forms of fresh water fishing.

Over two decades - Bass Fishing has scaled to monetary heights reaching over the million dollar barrier which has now over these years become an industry worth 4.8 Billion dollars.
Bass Fishing is on the increase in numbers where the demand is phenomenal among new anglers. What is it about this freshwater sport - well this is an outdoor activity that is very relaxing as well as rewarding when the fish start to bite. Bass fishing can be a hobby taken to a pro level status where tournaments are entered to show off the anglers fishing skills.

Remember what ever sport you engage yourself in - practice makes perfect and that goes for bass fishing also. So the more time you spend on the water - the more knowledge intake on the dos and dont`s.
When angling for bass it is a good idea to have an expert in this field to guide and give you instructions on your first couple of attempts - at least till you get to know the ropes. An experienced bass fisherman can educate you on the techniques, fishing tackle and lure and in some cases enlightens you on how the fish thinks. Believe it or not - it has proven to be successful for many bass fishing enthusiasts.

If competing in tournaments is your goal then remember to learn all the tricks of the trade. Bass Fishing can be very competitive - you need to be in the know to reach pro level. Depending on your dedication and passion towards the sport then why not consider making a career out of bass fishing by teaching other avid anglers what you know.
Fishing for bass is for every one of all ages - women worldwide are taking to the waters as well as the kiddies.

It is important that children should never be left unattended or unsupervised at any time. This is an outdoor sport which is enjoyed by people the whole world over and why not when the rewards are so great when the catch is bigger than you anticipated
If this sport is to become a serious part of your life where you want to take it to the next level then you need more information under your hat. You need to know the best location, best bass lure/bait and what fishing equipment to use.

By going that step further and checking out Bass Fishing sites online will give your more intimate details on the skills needed for a sport that is spreading like an epidemic the whole world over.

Wade in and cast that rod to be the envy of all other anglers with your catch
Bigger Fish Dont like smelling like a fish
Body Odour

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There are several elements that go into creating the ideal charter fishing experience. The most important of these elements are not within the control of the charter service, captain, or the customers:

THE WEATHER: By weather, I am not just talking about rain, hail, sleet, snow, fog and other forms of precipitation. I’m talking about wind, and its effect on the water. Depending on the boat, the size of the waves will determine if and how far out you can go. This is actually one of the huge advantages of hiring a charter - an experienced captain will save the whole group a lot of grief by knowing when NOT to depart, or setting the proper expectations for the most probable outcome of the trip.

THE FISH: Another element that is not in the control of the participants is the condition and location of THE FISH. This is part of the charm and allure of fishing, but it can lead to disappointment, frustration and perceptions of incompetence. Again, an experienced captain can do much to set expectations based on weather, time of day, and permitted types of fish most likely to bite for the conditions, but ultimately you must realize it’s the fish that control this part of the equation, and have been known at times to be somewhat unreliable.

Now, on to variables we can control, and the more you know about them, the better decision you can make about your prospective captain and accommodations.

THE BOAT: This is more than a hull displacing enough water to keep you from swimming. The size, power and hull design of the boat combine to determine the limits of the trip. For example, a 32 ft Sport Fisher will carry 6 guests, will cruise at about 20 MPH, and often cannot proceed because the sea conditions seem to frequently exceed its capabilities by 1-2 feet. That means the happy party met at the dock for no good reason. Contrast this with a 27-ft Catamaran, which can also carry up to 6 guests, cruises at about 35 MPH, and slices comfortably and safely through much heavier seas than the standard “V” hull craft can handle. The huge bonus here is the speed - you spend much less time shuttling out to and back from the fishing spots, and much more time actually fishing. If you look at this whole proposition in terms of fishing time per charter dollar spent, you quickly realize that for twice the fishing time, the type of boat makes all the difference. One other advantage - on those days when it is just not possible to get offshore, the shallow draft of the catamaran gives you the opportunity to fish in the bay system. A word about safety - again the newer catamarans have all the advantages with unsinkable foam-filled hulls and twin outboard motor redundancy - much safer than the bigger inboard boats that try to convince people that size equals safety (which can sink in seconds), and much safer than the boats with inboard gasoline engines that have earned a bad safety reputation for blowing up.

THE CAPTAIN: Experience, intelligence, personality and certification are the keys to success. It’s difficult for you to assess a potential captain’s experience and intelligence, but you can get some clues. Have him talk to you about trips he has cancelled and why. Have him talk to you about the kinds of fishing locations he will be taking you to. Ask him how many years he has been doing this. With these simple questions, you can get a pretty good idea about experience and horse sense, and you will have talked with him enough to find out if his personality is the kind that will knit a group together for a good time. You will also ask about Coast Guard certification, which is required of any charter captain.

Now I’ll rate some of the other amenities:

AIR CONDITIONING: While we are all used to this convenience, in practical terms, it is pretty useless in the fishing charter context. First, you are on the water, and there will usually be a breeze. It’s a lot more tolerable than being on the land. Second, you can only air condition a closed space, and closed spaces generally make people sick in an ocean environment, no matter how cool they are. Also, most air conditioned areas of fishing boats don’t give you a view. You have to ask yourself why you wanted to go on this trip, and then decide if this is really important to you.

SHADE: This is important, even if you bring SPF 3000 sunscreen and wear a hat, you need a place to get out of direct sunlight.

TOILET (Head) - Unless this is a total frat party, this is usually a good idea.

Things you need to be aware of:

SIZE OF PARTY: Generally, more intimate groups have more fun than larger groups. Think about it: You stay more connected to a smaller crowd, and the captain has more of his personal time to share with fewer people.

CAPACITY: This is usually expressed in terms of “average sized people”. Weight is of primary importance for the comfort and safety of everyone, especially on the smaller boats. If the people in your party are exceptionally husky, you might want to drop the count by one. Consult with the captain if you have any concerns. NOTE: Often, you’ll see the boat rated by the manufacturer for 10 people, but the limit imposed by Coast Guard regulations on the same boat for charters may be 6.

WHAT’S INCLUDED? - Usually everything needed to fish is included - rods, reels, bait, ice chest (for fish), instruction (if you want/need it).

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED? - food, drinks, fish cleaning (often offered as an extra option for “tips”).

REFUND POLICY: You need to know what this consists of, because of the uncontrollable variables listed above. If you are happy to keep the outing going when seas are too rough to go offshore, and you want to be able to convert to bay fishing, make sure that’s an option.

DEPOSIT: Most fishing charters will require a non-refundable deposit of some kind, because the company or captain has already committed resources to you that have to be taken off the market. This is a part of the deal. You need to get comfortable with it.

GRATUITIES: Your captain will provide you with the best time he knows how to deliver. If you think he did a good job, an appropriate tip is customary and is always appreciated.

I hope this outline of what goes into a successful fishing charter trip has been of some use and interest to you.

Kent Walters is loosely affiliated (as a customer) with Captain Anthony’s Fishing Charters in Freeport, TX, a fishing charter service that has been in operation in the Freeport/Galveston area for over 7 years. Captain Anthony Blewitt hails originally from England, and has a delightful “Crocodile Dundee” style of relaxed competence - Coast Guard certified and passionate about fishing. If you are in his area, there’s no need to look any further. If you are not in his area, look over his website, and look for someone playing the same general tune.

See http://www.freeportfishingcharters.com. For additional resources, articles and a web directory, see http://www.fishingcharterinfo.com

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The Newfoundland cod stocks. What has happened to cod fishing off the Grand Banks of Newfoundland?

Catherine Kenyeres is a successful author and publisher for http://www.best-4u-fishing-equipment.com. Catherine has written numerous articles for the fishing enthusiast.

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As we move into December, for many fishermen this marks the beginning of the “Dark Season” of fishing.

By “Dark”, I don’t mean anything secretive, nor do I imply any sort of clandestine operations taking place on our rivers and streams.

By “Dark”, I simply mean the time of year when it is cold, gloomy,wet, and short of light–you know- perfect steelhead weather!!

Which is exactly my point.

Not that I don’t appreciate the time when I can reflect on the years past “light filled” fishing adventures, places like, The Henry’s Fork, The Rogue,The Kenai, The Owens, The Klamath–(and a few places I won’t mention)–Or, grabbing a good book, re-charging my fishing wires-while the fish enjoy a break from the trevails of being a fish. And not that I don’t appreciate the time to sit and tie the two fly patterns I know, and pick up magazines and start to plan out next year’s wish list,BUT the year isn’t over and there are still some fantastic fishing opportunities still out there.

One of the real nice things about this time of year is the lack of fishing pressure. Unless you live in the southern U.S., or have the means to fly to Patagonia and start the second season, most folks aren’t really too excited to venture into sub freezing temperatures and chip ice off of the ferules on their fishing rods.

So while most fishermen are content to grab the remote, watch some guy grab a bass by the lips and have another egg nog, others are out there enjoying the solitude of the season.

With todays’ hi-tech clothing technology, except when fishing in the Arctic or Swen and Ole’s six inch hole in the ice, you can pretty much get yourself suited up to spend two or three hours comfortably outdoors chasing fish that usually have enough sense to remain where it is relatively warm.

At least WARM for a fish.

Fish don’t stop feeding in the winter and the results can be INCREDIBLE!!

Even fly fishermen, if they can get their fingers to work on a size twenty-six midge, can coax fish up to the surface to take a microscopic offering.

Again, the point here is, if you put a little preparation, and thought into your fishing endeavors, you can still be out there enjoying the sport during the “Dark Season”. It sure beats sitting around eating Aunt Holly’s Double Lard Fruitcake!!

To me, there are still very little downsides.

Unless of course you count hypothermia,frostbite and freezing to death as downsides.

Of course, for some of you, sitting in a fish hut on some frozen lake, or standing in the steady drizzle of a Northwest rain, or cross country skiing to your fishing hole still won’t sound like fun to you, so there is always Patagonia and New Zealand.

Thank God for Visa cards…..

A.J. Klott

Author, writer of fishing humor,and “fly tack” peddler.A.J. writes about the people,characters and modern day events that surround the fishing world. His first book is due out in December of 2005.
If you need a laugh or a fun gift, visit his website at:
http://www.twoguyswithflys.com

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