Posted by Derek Townsend on December 8, 2009 under Fishing Tackle | 
What better form of recreation is there to have with your children than an exciting, fun-filled fishing expedition—just listening to and bonding with nature? But many people don’t realise how quickly that fun can turn into disaster if children are not properly supervised and equipped. The appropriate fishing tackle can help to assure the safety of your children, as there are special sizes in fishing gear that are made especially for the little ones.
Please be sure to provide each child with a life jacket. Adults need life jackets too, but curiosity can really entice kids to do things that an adult wouldn’t even attempt—things that they don’t realise could jeopardize their lives. Make certain that the life jacket fits properly. Remember that children’s skin is delicate and their eyes need protection from ultraviolet rays—so I’d suggest packing some sunscreen, wrap around sunglasses, and a wide brim hat to protect them from the sun. Additionally, a first aid kit should be a key part of your fishing. Of course, you will always need a mobile phone to call in the event of an emergency.
When searching for the appropriate rods and reels for children, you need a rod that is approximately the same height as the child. Children are especially hard on rods because they don’t realise that they are easy to break. Children will drag the rods, bend them, shove them against things, and do all sorts of things with them—sometimes they do these things just because!
What about the reel? Do you know that a tangled line can really frustrate a child? Believe it or not—it can actually make him/her hate fishing. So, it is up to you to prevent tangling in the first place. Equip you child’s rod with a spin cast reel with a closed-face. This will dissuade your child from putting his/her hands on the reel. A push button type reel is very effective for a child. As children will usually grip a rod with both hands, the rod handle ought to be manufactured for casting with both hands.
If you get the right fishing tackle and recognise that “your child is a child”, you can have a fantastic fishing adventure. Make fishing with your child a pleasant memory. Choose the right tackle and always remember—safety first!
Posted by Derek Townsend on under Fishing Tackle |
If you relish the idea of a great trout fishing day, whether you are a novice or a long-time experienced angler, you are aware that certain equipment is crucial for a successful fishing trip. You must have the right rod, reel, flies and other fishing tackle. But, I’m going to talk to you about a necessary aspect of fishing tackle that some people, especially beginners don’t even think about—what you should wear. Let’s face it – if you are cold, wet, and uncomfortable, it’s a recipe for a miserable time, and essentially an unsuccessful trip. Here are some tips on proper trout fishing gear that can make your fishing experience that much more enjoyable.
There are particular colours—green and blue—that trout can’t see so well; therefore, wearing these can help you to sneak up on the trout. Layers make it easier to remove and add clothing according to the weather changes. A good starting layer would probably be thermal underwear. Lightweight, breathable underwear is recommended on a fly fishing trip. Also, the shirts you wear for fly fishing need to have big pockets to accommodate fly boxes. A hat would be good to evade extreme cold or heat. Your hat should probably be wool or cotton—I’d recommend wool if it is wet weather.
Now in light of the fact that you might fall into the water—and it does happen to the best of us—wearing heavy clothing like wool sweaters can make it more difficult to get out quickly. And what about the rain? A waterproof jacket with a hood is essential on a rainy day. If you are trout fishing out on a boat, make sure all aboard wear a life jacket—you never know what may happen.
No matter what kind of fishing you are doing, you need the appropriate footwear. If you’re river fishing, a good pair of waders is often essential. Otherwise a good pair of Wellington boots – professionals recommend that your boots are halfway up your calf. Toe warmers are also a good choice to make you more comfortable and you can wear two pairs of socks (cotton or wool). Wool is preferable next to the skin as they will not stick to the body the way cotton does.
The same is true in fishing and business—dress for success!
Posted by Derek Townsend on November 25, 2009 under Fishing Tackle |
Fly fishing is one of the most challenging and enjoyable sports in the UK. From the magnificent salmon to the elusive trout, fly fishermen employ an amazing variety of tactics and tackle to capture trophy specimens. I thought I would draw on my experience as a successful fly fisherman to help those of you who want to get started in fly fishing to choose the right tackle.
The Basics
For beginners, the best way to get the correct tackle is to buy a coordinated set that includes rod, reel and line. It’s a good idea to consult a local fishing tackle shop because the staff will have plenty of information about what gear works best in your area. If cost is a concern, you should know that a good quality rod costs from about £110 to £160 but you can pay a lot more – for beginners anything in this range will be fine. Reels start from about £45 to £60 but again, you can pay big money when you’re hooked – forgive the pun. Don’t forget to budget for line and lures, as well. Expect the total cost of your starter fly fishing tackle to be about £225 to £275.
Tips for Acquiring Your Tackle
Make a list of what you need and check prices at www.keenstackleandguns.co.uk where prices are likely to be lower than in bricks-and-mortar stores. When shopping for tackle, be sure to consider the species of fish you’ll be seeking and the types and depths of waters in which you plan to fish. These factors will have a significant impact on the type of tackle you choose. Remember that cheaply priced fishing equipment is often cheaply made, so buy the best tackle you can afford.
Other Essential Gear
Of course, you need a tackle box with plenty of compartments. It’s also a good idea to acquire a pack you can wear on your chest or around your waist. Some anglers prefer to wear a specialist vest designed for fishing, but remember that a vest might inhibit your range of motion when casting. A neck lanyard is another key piece of tackle. This allows you to string important small items like insect repellent, sunscreen, small tools, etc. Don’t forget a quality pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from glare and ultraviolet rays. A landing net is essential. If you plan to release the fish after you catch them, choose a landing net with rubber mesh.
Above all, don’t underestimate the importance of buying the best quality fishing tackle you can afford, since it can make the difference between a successful fishing excursion and a failed one.
Posted by Derek Townsend on under Fishing Tackle |
I once read an article that talked about a mythical place called “Dragon’s Gate,” where there was a waterfall. The story goes that if a carp can jump across the waterfall, it will be transformed into a beautiful and wondrous dragon. Wonder and beauty aside, the carp is one of the most popular fish sought by UK anglers. Carp are found in a variety of waters, including lakes, ponds and rivers. They are large, strong fish that can weigh up to 87 pounds. The carp’s size and powerful tail allow it to swim, manoeuvre and accelerate strongly, making it a challenging and formidable adversary. I thought I’d share some thoughts on angling for this remarkable fish.
Where to Find Carp
These wily fish like to feed under overhanging trees near the shores of lakes or reservoirs. Carp also root for food in aquatic vegetation such as reeds, rushes and lily pads. The best sign that carp are about is a column of bubbles rising to the surface.
Gearing Up for Carp Fishing
Choose a sturdy rod that will support the substantial weight of a trophy-sized carp. Use a spool-type reel and fit out the rod with line, split shot and a hook. I suggest a number 6 hook. Consult an expert at Keens or your local fishing tackle shop to find out what gear works best in your area. Carp in the wild eat a variety of foods, including midge, molluscs, insects, bloodworms and vegetation. They eat at all levels in the water. Effective baits are lobworms, redworms and maggots.
Fishing Tackle – Carp Fishing Tips
Carp will scatter at the slightest movement or vibration. So, when you arrive at a good carp fishing location, approach quietly, drop your line into the water and wait. Another technique is to note where the fish are feeding and cast your line an appreciable distance away. Then drag the line as slowly as possible toward the desired area. Carp often tend to nibble or bite the bait lightly before taking it, so it’s important to be patient and not set the hook too fast. A great technique for carp is pre-baiting because it allows you to lure the fish to a place that you, not they, choose.
With the right carp fishing gear, a bit of patience and some basic knowledge of fishing techniques and tackle, even a beginner has the chance of catching one of these large and cunning fish.
Posted by Derek Townsend on November 23, 2009 under Fishing Tackle |
Fishing has been an activity people have enjoyed for centuries. For many, it’s the thrill of the challenge—man trying to outsmart his prey. For others, it’s the experience of being out among the elements. No matter why you enjoy fishing so much, you’ll want to make the most of your opportunity and catch plenty of fish. Now if you’re a fishing enthusiast, you’ll agree with me that the right fishing tackle can mean the difference between a successful outing and an unsuccessful one. So let’s look at two simple tips on finding the best UK fishing tackle so you can fully enjoy your next trip.
Tip #1: Choose different equipment for different conditions.
I personally like to think of fishing as not only a sport, but a craft. The same way an artist may use paint for one masterpiece and charcoal for another, so a fisherman must have different tools for different conditions. For instance if you’re going fly fishing, the rod size you would use should be different depending on whether you will be freshwater fishing or saltwater fishing. Make sure you do a little research on the kind of fish you’re going after (carp, bass, trout, salmon, and so on).
Tip #2: Quality fishing doesn’t require spending an arm and a leg. That said, you can take advantage of some of the more advanced equipment as long as you don’t overdo it.
You don’t need state-of-the-art equipment to have a good time fishing or to catch plenty of fish. But of course there are lots of awesome tools out there to help you. When it comes to fishing, technology has made huge strides. There are now GPS systems, artificial bait, and other advances to give fishermen an edge. But remember that there’s more to fishing than using fancy equipment. You can do endless research on the lakes you’ll be fishing in via the internet. You can even find out the migratory habits of certain fish. But in the end, your technique will have more of an impact on your success than your equipment. If you don’t know how to properly cast a line, all the bells and whistles in the world won’t help you catch a whopper!
Posted by Derek Townsend on under Fishing Tackle |
If you are contemplating getting into sea fishing in the UK, you’ll need the right sea fishing tackle. The following are a few primary facts in reference to the type of fishing gear required to get started.
Sea Fishing Rods
There are 2 basic types of fishing rods for sea fishing: beach casting rods and spinning or boat rods.
Beach casting rods are the most common and the most popular rods for salt water fishing tackle. This type of rod is between 11 and 13 feet long. At the end of this type rod is an intensely fast taper. Taper means to what degree a fishing rod bends or shows resilience when pulled or pushed against. There are a couple of handle types out there—a coaster clip or a fixed reel seat. Coaster clips allow the angler to reposition the reel for optimal casting position and distance. Fishing reels suggested for beach casting rods would either be multipliers or fixed spools.
Despite the fact that some people don’t advocate spinning rods for bass fishing, employing them may give an angler a big challenge, specifically when the rod is equipped with tackle that is lightweight. Spinning rods used for sea fishing usually measure 8 to 10 feet in length and also cast 1 to 1 ½ ounces. Most spinning rods used in the UK are designed for a fixed spool fishing reel.
Tackle for Sea Fishing
Sea fishing reels can hold approximately 250 to 300 yards of line. Pick especially sturdy hooks because of the large amount of impediments that can snag your fishing tackle. The size of a hook is a vital factor when fishing in the sea. The range of hook sizes are 32 (for brook trout) to 19/0 (for big game fish). Here’s a list of hook sizes for different types of fish: Flatfish – 1 or 1/0, mackerel – 1/0, bottom fishing – 4/0, pollack – 4/0.
Legering is a sort of sea fishing done from a dock or a pier. If legering, you need to add weights or legers to your fishing gear. If you are legering, you bait will rest at the bottom of the sea. With float fishing, the bait will float around in the water under an intensely coloured float which pinpoints the position of the bait.
Having the right sea fishing tackle could be the deciding factor in your fishing trips. The finest UK sea anglers use the equipment they need to make certain their fishing trips pays off.
Posted by Derek Townsend on November 16, 2009 under Fishing Tackle |
So, you’ve decided to take up fly fishing, which means you’re going to need some basic fly fishing tackle to proceed. This article will investigate the most important tackle equipment UK fishermen ought to have with their fly fishing equipment.
Rod, Reel and Line
A beginner may find the cheapest way to obtain a rod, reel, and line, is to buy them as a set at a nearby fly fishing tackle shop. For many, price will be an important consideration, so the trick is to find the most suitable fly fishing gear inside your price range. Some price estimates include the following figures: Rod – £110 to £160; Reel – £70 to £100; Line – £45 to £60.
The overall cost of £225 to £275 can drop even lower by finding some discount fly fishing tackle in a physical shop or an Internet-based one. Remember that even though the initial cost can be hefty, the gear you buy will last for a very long time. Things to consider before you purchase fly fishing rods and reels include what kind of fish you’ll pursue, what kind of water they live in, and how far away you’ll be fishing. Get a warranty with the purchase and don’t void it through rough treatment of your equipment.
More Fly Fishing Gear
A chest pack or bum bag with an abundance of places to keep things would be useful. Many anglers like them more than customary fishing tackle boxes; it’s easier to get to accessories that you wear. It also provides superior freedom of motion over a vest. Ask about combination purchases inside fishing tackle shops that include both types of packs. Something else useful can be a neck lanyard (on which you can string small tools), tackle and more gear like insect repellent and sunscreen. Don’t forget those shades to help keep UV rays out of your eyes. Another good item is a landing net. Assuming you’ll turn your fish loose once you catch it, a soft bag with no seams is a must. A rubberised mesh net will probably not harm the slimy external layer of the fish that serves as protection.
Never underestimate the importance of buying the best quality fly fishing tackle within your budget.
Posted by Derek Townsend on under Fishing Tackle |
Kayak fishing is a type of sport fishing that is rapidly on the rise. It is contributing to the rise of “yak” sales in the UK. Below are some facts regarding kayak fishing as well as items you could use which are found in fishing tackle shops.
Kayak Fishing – Fresh Ideas
If you’re a sea fisherman who’s just about “fished out,” if you’ve tried most of the standard gear and techniques and are itching for a real challenge, kayak fishing might be just the thing for you. You will be able to integrate a great deal of the fishing gear you have already bought at tackle shops if you are taking on the kayak fishing sport.
The Positive Side of Kayak Fishing
You may already own a boat and find it to be a real pain when you are towing your vessel to a launching area and trying to get it out on the water. When your boat is big, it may cost a great deal to keep it in the marina. Not to mention the cost of fuel every time you head out. You can fasten a kayak to the top of your car if it is a larger sized vehicle. Even if the price of a kayak is very expensive (£1000 to £2000), over time it will pay for itself with the savings in fuel and storage costs. If you don’t own a fishing boat and rent one instead, having a kayak will help you avoid the £40 to £50 you would pay for one day of fishing. In a kayak, you can move silently and easily from location to location. Kayaks are made of modern and durable materials, so you can expect your vessel to last up to 16 years.
Additional Benefits to Fishing in a Kayak
A kayak will take you to fishing spots not accessible to either shore or boat fisherman. The boat’s low profile is less likely to disturb the fish. Since it does not use fossil fuels when it is out on the water, it is environmentally friendly. In order to get the right gear for your kayak, you should use the expertise of a fishing tackle shop and ask about needed items such as fish finders, coolers, rod holders, and perhaps a GPS receiver. Also, you can purchase a fishing rod holder and folding anchor. Make certain that you take an in depth look at the accessible gear at fishing tackle shops to figure out if this equipment can be utilised for kayak fishing.
In addition to the kayak and the equipment that goes with it, most UK fishing tackle shops can supply you with everything you need for a memorable fishing trip.
Posted by Derek Townsend on November 12, 2009 under Fishing Tackle |
Fishing tackle boxes are an often overlooked but critically important item. Fishing tackle bags are also well loved by UK anglers because of their versatility. Here are some facts about tackle bags and the large number of technological aspects they can have.
Thinking About a Tackle Bag?
The way you keep your fishing supplies, whether it is a tackle box or tackle bag must be very practical. A tackle bag resembles luggage, making it easier to carry along with you. Being soft-sided, the bag generally stores more fishing tackle than a hard-sided box of equal size. Bags come in a wide range of types and colours – from the outdoorsman favourite (camouflage type) to smart leather-trimmed gear. Fishing tackle bags are predominantly constructed from rough, heavy-duty materials including ripstop 900 denier nylon. Nylon is a favourite because the fabric is easy to clean, mildew resistant, rot resistant, abrasion resistant and quick drying. To insure even more resistance against wetness and destruction, the nylon in tackle bags is often coated with polyurethane many times.
Extra Attractive Parts of Tackle Bags
Since these bags are made for outdoor use during different kinds of weather, get one with additional fabric layered in the base. It is best to obtain a bag which is 100% waterproof, maybe even with an exterior coating of PVC along the bottom. The best bags offer support on the sides and bottom. Tackle bags also come with durable and flexible straps for carrying. A detachable padded shoulder strap is also a desirable feature. Lots of outside pockets with zips on the sides and front are the marks of a great bag. You can even find bags with front pouches sporting zips on 3 sides. When completely unzipped, these pockets reveal organizational features like pen pockets and clips for car keys and other small items. The interior of a tackle bag is also flexible. Lots of them contain a collection of separators that can be attached and removed at according to your needs. Even the top flap of some bags will have a zippered, see-through pockets. In addition, this kind of bag is expected to have the kind of strap which will allow for protection while transporting rods.
It’s annoying when you can’t come up with a component of your fishing equipment at an crucial time. Fishing tackle boxes, and most importantly tackle bags, are essential gear parts which help keep UK anglers organised.
Posted by Derek Townsend on under Fishing Tackle |
Catfish fishing is commonplace in the UK. In this article, we will lay out a brief explanation about the things you need to know about fishing tackle if you want to chase after this crafty fish.
Where to Find Catfish
Catfish gather close to reed or weed beds, holes, deeper water areas, and sunken trees. Catfish will normally choose these spots but will swim in a wider area when feeding; anglers will have to spread out to different places to fish. These fish may also congregate near sand bars and gravel bars. They eat crayfish, shrimp, snails, mussels, and dead fish – a wide variety of foods.
Fishing Rods and Reels to Catch Catfish
A fishing rod with a length of around 12 feet and a test curve of 2 1/2 pounds is enough for catfish fishing. The fishing pole action is important in catfish rigs. This term “action” relates to the amount of reaction that the pole has to a bending force and also the length of time it takes to spring back to a middling position. Tip action rods flex more towards the tip and slow action rods flex more towards the butt. For catfish fishing, choose a through-action rod where the flexibility is balanced between tip and butt. The reel used in catfish fishing equipment requires a minimum capacity of no less than 200 yards for 12 to 15 pound test line. This quantity is needed because catfish can run for a long distance. Fishing reels for catfish should also have the bait runner feature that enables the angler to pay out the line freely, without tension to the fish. A switching of the lever will make tension return to the spool.
Hooks and Leaders for Catfish
Select tough, razor-sharp hooks with a big gap for catfish fishing gear. Double or treble hooks are not recommended, as they are not considered a humane way to hook a fish. These particular hooks are able to fasten the mouth shut on the fish; therefore, if the fish escapes from the fisher, it will die. Taking into consideration the places in which catfish concentrate, for leaders, you should opt for a line that can withstand abrasive elements. The line will definitely be chafed by the teeth of the fish. Also, a limber and thin braided leader is advised. You should not use a wire leader since it could cause a wound to the mouth of the fish.
The ability to catch an enormous catfish can defy the most knowledgeable UK angler. But the right fishing tackle can make the difference between success and failure.
