Biggest Things To Remember When Saltwater Catfish Fishing
Posted by admin on Apr 4, 2010
When saltwater fishing for catfish, you are looking at an entirely different sport from freshwater fishing. You’ll be fishing for different species of catfish in brackish (salty or briny) waters, and you can expect a completely different experience.
While saltwater catfish fishing is preferred by some and the taste of the catch actually regarded as better by many advocates of the sport, most people do prefer the taste of a freshwater catfish. Of the saltwater variety, the Gaff Topsail is considered to be one of the most flavorful, but again, saltwater catfish are not typically served in restaurants, and many people don’t like the taste.
One similarity between freshwater and saltwater catfish fishing is that catfish are bottom feeders, and you’ll have just as much success in saltwater fishing on the bottom of the body of water as you would in a lake or river.
They are typically either scavengers looking for an easy meal or feed on smaller fish that also dwell along the bottoms. Also, most catfish are not picky about bait. They will bite almost anything you put in front of them and are really considered lazy fish because few of them, with the exception of flatheads (which are freshwater fish) are predators and want their meals handed to them.
Saltwater catfish fishing is good in several coastal areas, especially in the Gulf of Mexico along the borders of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. You can also find saltwater species around the entire coastline of Florida, up the east coast through Georgia, and even into the Carolinas and Virginia.
Interestingly enough, many people have perpetrated the myth that, because catfish don’t have scales, they are allergic to salt. However, consider the fact that moray eels live in briny waters and yet lack scales, and you’ll see that this is completely unfounded.
What fear is not a myth is that saltwater catfish fishing can actually lead to injury if fishermen aren’t careful. These saltwater dwellers have sharp fins unlike the freshwater variety that can cause more than a little pain if handled incorrectly. A small prick with one of these fins can cause severe discomfort, and a rough stick in the hand has been known to cause major swelling and pain, even leading to nausea in some and hospital visits in extreme cases.
Interestingly enough, though two major species of catfish are primarily marine fish, there are several additional species that have adapted to saltwater. While they may not prefer it and are more frequently found in freshwater, these varieties of catfish are tolerant of almost any habitat, including saltwater.
When it comes to fishing for catfish in saltwater it is advisable to consider Saltwater Fishing Reels made by Shimano, Daiwa, Van Staal or Penn.
By
Daniel Eggertsen
Tuna Fishing Ban, another ‘muscle-flexing’ of the Big Countries?
Posted by admin on Apr 29, 2010
The ban on fishing tuna would greatly affect the livelihood of thousands of people depending on these fishes. Governments of small countries like the Philippines, FS of Micronesia, Vanuatu, etc. would have nowhere to go but to ‘bow’ their heads again and just make a sigh on orders by these large, rich nations to stop the fishing of tuna for 2-years. What now for these small fishermen/traders?
They are going to rise the prices of tuna and lower the amount of tuna they are selling. They have banned it because tuna are becoming extinct very quick and we must stop eating so many of them.
what type of saltwater gulp plastics is good for surf fishing in socal?
Posted by admin on Apr 29, 2010
right now i have the sandworm in camo of the saltwater gulp for surf fishing.What other type of saltwater gulp is good for surf fishing in southern california?
right in the first waves use 2" shrimp, salmon light orange and or pink color 3" yellow, white, light green and blue stripe swimbaits right out into the four foot shore break works well but the soft shell sand crabs are all over the place right now and everything feeding in the surf eats them. in the 4", 5" and 6" use the new baitfish minnows, jerk shad and sinking minnows in the the faded light greens with light blue backs, (smelt) white belly and dark blue back, (sardine) white with green back (anchovy) all work on the halibut from shore most the so cal fish are pretty much right up in close and the big ones are easily spooked off by swimmers, waders and surfers. do most of your serious fishing where they all are not frolicking in the surf.
I need some ideas and input on what kind of boat I should buy for saltwater fishing.?
Posted by admin on Apr 29, 2010
I want to saltwater fishing boat that has a walk-around deck, cuddy-cabin, diesel engine (good fuel economy), and is fairly fast. What should I buy?
Boston Whaler.
How would you prevent dolphins and other fish from dying if you were fishing tuna with large nets?
Posted by admin on Apr 26, 2010
you really don’t. line catching is the best way to ensure dolphin free tuna, or penning and then trawling to the facility but that’s costly and only worth it in high yield area like the Mediterranean
Whats a good spinning surf fishing combo?
Posted by admin on Apr 26, 2010
Ok im either going down to treasure Island. St Petersburg, FL or Myrtle Beach, SC on spring break. Want to do some surf fishing. I neeed some advise on spinning combos? Also i want to catch around some 4 ft sharks and other fish as well. I need tips for fishing in BOTH places. Thanks
-Steve
Also what best overall bait? rig? and what fish will i be catchin?
Penn slammer, torque or 550sg with a 7′ uglystick.
Live pin fish or ladyfish for bait with a hook on each end of the fish.
Does anyone think freshwater fishing is better than saltwater?
Posted by admin on Apr 26, 2010
I use to freshwater fish when I was younger. But over the past couple of years I’ve been saltwater fishing. In my opinion saltwater fishing is much more enjoyable. The fish are much bigger. You never know what you’re gonna pull up. So why do people go freshwater fishing when they can go saltwater fishing? Are there any reasons freshwater is better than salt?
Depends on what you enjoy doing.
Some people may like stalking the flats for permit and bonefish,
some of us may like tossing drys at brook trout on small mountain streams. For some, it just a matter of Geography. Folks from Nebraska don’t have the ocean close to them.
So, is it better ?? Depends on who you ask and where you’re from.
Fishing from Cornwall to Derbyshire
Posted by admin on Apr 25, 2010
Fishing is in the blood in West Cornwall. This community has relied on fishing for thousands of years. But it is not all beam trawlers and lobster pots. Many a family still supplements its table with sea fishing for mackerel, pilchards and sea bass.
The bass is a particular favourite because it is a beautiful fish, tasty and found in wonderful places. Like Porthcurno, a shelving sandy surf beach bordered on both sides by cliffs and rocks outcrops. There are fewer prettier places and in winter its isolation makes it very special. The sea bass is a special fish, too. Its sleek silver body and two dorsal fins, including usually eight sharp spines, make it distinct and desirable.
Known as the sea salmon in Cornwall, catching one gives the same sort of satisfaction. You can catch smaller bass here most of the year, with adults from April to October although now and again you will find decent sized fish in November and December.
Sea bass are taken best at night, even better at dusk and dawn. They are numerous close to shore after a gale, when large amounts of torn up weed in create their favourite stir-about.
You are going to want a rod of 15ozs max because you will be holding it all night, with line from 18lb to an ultra safe 30lb if you are worried about catching on weed or rocks. Most angler fish pulley rigs or clipped down one-hook (say a 3/0) rigs, from which bass take lug, rag or crab, and even squid later in the year. The record for shore bass is reckoned to be about 18lb but there are those that will tell they have had 20lb plus off here. This will surprise those from the north who see 4lb or 5lb sea bass. To be fair the 20lb fish are usually caught by anglers fishing alone who are then accosted by piskeys and robbed of their catch before they can get it witnessed.
There is a lot of fishing in Derbyshire and a lot of beautiful countryside to do it in,especially in the Peak District. The Derwent, the Dove, the Lathkill and the Wye are known throughout the world for their fishing.
The Derwent was particularly popularised by Izzac Walton whose skill with a pen matched his subtlety with hook and fly, and served to make fly fishing the sport of the lone gentleman. It flows south from the Ladybower reservoir towards Derby, through some of the most wonderfully rugged limestone hill farmland and its upper reaches offer prime marks for trout and grayling. But as you travel south down the Derwent its lower reaches offer an abundance of sport for the coarse fisherman, with barbel and chub prime targets.
Coarse fishing may not have the literary appeal but its, the artistic resonance of the fly, but there is no greater joy than striding out to an isolated Peak District angling spot, dropping your net in the water and casting out under overhanging branches. You will find a remarkable variety of marks, with the most breathtaking scenery, and fish that want to bite but will not bore with their over-eagerness. Much of the area is tied up either by the Chatsworth or other great estates or the likes of the Darley Dale fishing club, the Derwent Fly Fishers and the Sheffield Waltonians.
There is apparently a nice stretch available to members of the Police Federation near Calver. A secret gem packed with barbel and grayling is the River Noe which rises on Mam Tor and flows through the Hope Valley.
James Johnson
http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/fishing-from-cornwall-to-derbyshire-55700.html
Fishing in Costa Rica- Where to Find the Fish
Posted by admin on Apr 25, 2010
With over 750 miles of coastline, anglers fishing in Costa Rica have a multitude of options. It’s a big ocean out there much of it void of fishing action. The key to successful offshore fishing is knowing where to find the fish.
There is no replacement for local expertise when it comes to finding fish. Every good captain knows where to find the fish, but you may find the following information helpful when exploring new fishing grounds.
The most important tip for finding fish is Watch for Variation. Variation can come in several forms, some obvious and some more subtle.
Los Corrientes
The tried and true method to finding billfish in Costa Rica is fishing in “los corrientes”. These currents can be spotted by a subtle change in color and in temperature. Baitfish and predators are plentiful in these currents. An experienced captain will work the edges of “los corrientes”. When fishing from Quepos, Jaco, or Herradura, captains will find “los corrientes” about twenty-five to thirty miles from shore during peak billfish season.
Oceanfloor Geography
Underwater geopgraphic structures such as canyons can increase the flow of ocean currents. The rapidly moving currents can trap bait fish and large game fish move in after the trapped bait. As with the seasonal currents, these currents may be spotted by looking for subtle changes in water color or surface temperature. Of course an experienced Costa Rican offshore fishing guide will have one eye on the bottom (GPS) and one eye on the surface looking for the subtle changes.
Floating Debris
The rainy season in Costa Rica is the hottest time of year for dorado, oftentimes bull dorado weighing over fifty pounds. The experienced fisherman knows that fish love structure, even temporary structure resulting from debris washing out to sea from rain swollen rivers. Fishing deep around weed lines, floating pallets, or logs can yield a great dorado run. Other game fish can be found beneath the debris as well.
Underwater Structure
Wrecks and reefs provide structure for large bottom fish including Cubera snapper and grouper. The structure is also home to plankton and other small organisms that attract baitfish which in turn attract big game fish looking for a meal. Remember that the main structure may be overfished while potential satellite sites around the structure are teaming with life. Larger gamefish often hang out at these quieter satellite sites.
Slicks
Keep you eye out for oily slicks on the waters surface. As big game fish such as dorado, tuna, marlin and sailfish are feeding they chase bait to the surface. Fish oils are released and the slick results. If you have found a bait slick you have found sometime of fish feeding. If you are lucky it will the trophy catch you are looking for.
Birds
Offshore birds are always fishing in Costa Rica. They are searching for bait pods, tuna feeding, or trolling billfish. Pay particular attention to the frigate birds especially those that are circling in one location. The experienced fishing guide knows that a lone frigate bird can lead you to a trophy Tuna, Marlin, or Sailfish.
When fishing offshore in Costa Rica, the importance of local expertise can not be overstated. Natural underwater geographic structures are consistent and local Costa Rica Fishing Guides have committed these to GPS and memory giving them the edge when fishing for big game fish in these waters. In addition, an experienced captain and mate will have developed keen eyes. I have seen Captains spot schooling Tuna 3 miles away, just by looking for disturbed water.
If you are interested in fishing in Costa Rica, find out more about Pacific fish species, fishing seasons, fishing reports, and the local weather at <A href=”http://www.queposadventures.com/”>Quepos Adventures</A>
Marshall Booth
http://www.articlesbase.com/fishing-articles/fishing-in-costa-rica-where-to-find-the-fish-748942.html
The Best Places to Go Offshore Saltwater Fishing
Posted by admin on Apr 25, 2010
Offshore saltwater fishing has its own charm and provides an unforgettable adventure. With high speed fishing boats equipped with latest navigational gadgets, searching for offshore fishes is quicker and safer. Even the fishing equipment has gone a sea change and has become more light, sturdy and easy to handle.
But you still need to learn skills if you are a novice to prepare for fishing. You can hire boats along with equipment and help to go out fishing in offshore waters. But you have to plan out well. You have to know the places where you can go to fish offshore. Some of the best places include:
1. Galveston, Texas offers a good place to fish. You can catch fish throughout the year. Between March and May you can catch a lot of small sized fishes but it’s in fall when you get the opportunity of hooking in large fishes, though their number is less. You can find fishes near wrecks, reefs and sea-mounts. Even area around oil platforms is good to get the fishes.
2. Destin, Florida is a small town but one of the largest fishing centers around. Fish can be found throughout the year, but the best season is from May to November. You can bait around weed-liners, the rocky underwater structure, sea-mounts, drop-offs or ledges. Whale sharks can be fished in August and September.
3. Key West, Florida gives an ample opportunity to go fishing. While small fishes are found in April and May, for bigger fishes October and November are the right months. Slightly choppy waters and moderate sea temperatures provide the ideal conditions to go fishing. Best spot to fish are fissures in the Wall where the bait gets stacked up.
4. Oregon Inlet, North Carolina provides a peak season through June till September to fish. Fish can be found along the fathom curve, in the Gulf Stream or towards the northeast area. Calm and sunny weather provides a good opportunity to spot and fish.
5. Point Pleasant, New Jersey offers a peak season beginning in July along the Canyons to fish, though fish can be found throughout the year. Dolphins and weed in an area provide the indication of fish being present.
Wherever you plan to go offshore saltwater fishing, just remember to keep a sharp look on the waters. Anything small that catches your eye could lead you to the fish. Search for live bait in the sea and follow its pattern. The big fish are bound to follow them for food.
Martin Brinkmann