Fantastic Fishing Holidays in Europe

For holidaymakers with a passion for fishing, or just the desire to do something a little different with their time away, there are some exciting things to do around Europe. Many areas of the continent have prime freshwater and seawater fishing locations where those taking their well-deserved holidays can try their hand at catching everything from the freshest salmon to the largest Mediterranean tuna fish. Tuscany is one of the best fishing destinations for holidaymakers travelling to Italy. The best thing for visitors to do is get a short licence that will allow them to fish for the duration of their stay.
Alternatively it may be best to plan some sea fishing which does not require a licence, or the use of a private lake. Unless holidaymakers are lucky enough to stumble across one that the owners are happy for them to use. Aside from the fishing there is plenty more for holidaymakers to do while they are in North West Italy including taking a visit to the Tuscan cities of Florence and Pisa. Both are must sees and with Pisa being so close to the Italian Coast, visitors can head down for a spot of sea fishing after having a look at the city's famous leaning tower.

Having seen the tower and the other sights of the famous Piazza del Duomo to whet their appetites, holidaymakers can head for the tourist sites of Florence, one of Italy's most beautiful cities. Once one of the richest cities in the world, Florence has played host to some very notable residents including Machiavelli, the Medici's and Leonardo da Vinci. Thanks to the wealth and influence from its old world status, tourists can see some excellent collections of art in the Uffizi and other Florence museums.

Holidaymakers looking to enjoy some sunshine as well as fishing on their holidays should head for the Portuguese coast. Because the Algarve is already one of Europe's top holiday destinations, visitors will have plenty to do while they are staying, including sunning themselves on some of the regions finest beaches. It is the big game fishing that sets Portugal apart and holidaymakers have the opportunity to catch everything from hammerhead sharks to marlins and swordfish.

For those who prefer to head further north for their fishing holidays a trip to Iceland is in order. Not only do holidaymakers have the chance to cast a line in some of the world's best salmon fishing waters, there is also the opportunity to bathe in the natural springs around the country. The Icelandic fishing season runs from April to September with the best trout fishing in the earlier months and salmon fishing from June onwards. The river Laxa, meaning salmon is said to be the best place for salmon fishing but there are plenty of places where visitors can get a good catch.

Fleur Fisher is a travel journalist, writing about the latest in travel destinations and tips. Here she recommends cheap holiday deals to the best European fishing destinations.

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Big River Equals Big Fish - Right Or Wrong?

It is hard to imagine big fish living in a small river. The question is, does a large river necessarily equate to big fish?
A large fish simply cannot live in a small river without sufficient depth to contain its bulk. A fish that is exposed in this way for long soon becomes prey for some other creature. That is not to say that such fish cannot pass through shallow sections of their river (or other body of water) though the normal practice would be to wait for the wet season or, at least, some heavy rain. Even a bit of cloudiness to the water can help the fish to hide.

Probably the biggest factor that determines the size of fish that a river can hold though is the food supply. Big fish have big appetites and need an ever increasing quantity of food to maintain and even increase their bulk. A given volume of water can only produce so much food.

Of course, not all bodies of water are able to produce the same supply for a given volume of water. Rocky mountain streams provide very little in comparison to lowland swamps. The fast flowing water and lack of anchorage means that few plants can take hold and, because of this, there is little food up through the food chain. Mountain streams are also colder places and that affects growth rates too.

Many species adopt a more predatory diet as they become larger simply because the value of this food supply is more in line with their needs. The Taimen of Mongolia is the world's largest Salmonid species. When young they live mostly on insects but as they get bigger (and they regularly get to be more than one metre long) they turn to a predatory diet consisting of fish, rodents, amphibians and even birds.

An alternative to the predatory diet is the scavenger's diet. Many big fish around the world get to be the size they are because their particular habitat has a plentiful supply of some form of waste. The Goonch of India have become infamous after reports that they have been feeding on the remains of cremations from riverside Ghats. Goonch are a kind of catfish and are bottom feeders so it is likely that they would find any decomposing flesh in their territory whatever the source. We needn't take the choice personally. This is hardly the same as a rogue man-eating tiger.

Food supply is also affected by competition. One big fish in a section of river has the whole food chain to choose from. Two only have half as much. That's a big drop and good reason for a fish to become territorial.

One major exception to the rule developed so far for resident fish is the migration of certain species (notably Salmon). Salmon, and the natural form of Rainbow Trout often known as Steelheads, head out to sea in their youth and return upriver to spawn. In the sea they have a much increased food supply and become the sort of Big Fish that anglers dream of. Alaska and the Kamchatka Peninsula of the Russian Federation are hotspots for such migrations, and attract ever-increasing numbers of anglers from around the world.
Big Rivers do not necessarily mean Big Fish but certainly do provide the best starting point when trying to locate record specimens.

Now, thanks to tools like Google Earth, we can all fly over the earth and look for exciting possibilities. It still helps to have local contacts to confirm the actual situation, and to assist with arrangements and any necessary permissions. Now there's a hobby for the days when real fishing is not an option.

Ian has lived and travelled extensively in Asia over the last seven years. He has been a passionate fisherman from school-days and is now combining the two fields by offering exciting and affordable fishing holidays abroad for individuals and groups.
All the support you need to catch Big Fish in Wild Places

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See my previous post: Catfish and Predator Fishing Tackle - Some Tips For Anglers

Catfish and Predator Fishing Tackle - Some Tips For Anglers

Fishing for catfish and other large predator fish has a loyal following in the UK. In this article, we'll present a brief overview of what's needed in the way of fishing tackle if you want to pursue this wily fish.

Where to Find Catfish
Catfish frequent sunken trees, reed and weed beds, deeper water and holes. Although they prefer these locations, catfish will range far and wide when feeding, so anglers have a wide range of locations where they can drop their bait. These fish also may congregate near sand bars and gravel bars. Their diet is highly variable and includes mussels, crayfish, snails, shrimps and even dead fish.

Fishing Rods and Reels for Catfish
A fishing rod length of about 12 feet with a 2 1/2 pound test curve is adequate for catfish. The fishing pole action is particularly important in catfish rigs. The term "action" refers to how the pole reacts to bending force and its rate of recovery to a neutral position. Tip action rods flex more toward in the tip and slow action rods flex more toward the butt. For catfish fishing, choose a through-action rod where the flexibility is balanced between tip and butt. A reel for catfish fishing equipment should have a capacity of at least 200 yards for 12 to 15 pound test line. This larger quantity is necessary because these fish are capable of running long distances. Fishing reels for catfish should have the bait runner feature that enables the angler to pay out line freely without tension to the fish. A flick of a lever returns tension to the spool.

Hooks and Leaders for Catfish
Choose strong, sharp hooks with a wide gap for your catfish fishing gear. Double or treble hooks are not recommended, as they are not considered a humane way to hook a fish. These hooks are capable of pinning the fish's mouth shut, ensuring certain death should it escape the fisherman. Because of the areas frequented by catfish, choose an abrasion resistant line for leaders. The line is also abraded by the fish's teeth. A thin and supple braided leader is also recommended. Never use a wire leader as it can irreparably damage a catfish's mouth.

Landing a huge catfish can be a challenge for the most experienced UK angler. The correct fishing tackle can make the difference between success and failure.

Ronan is a passionate fisherman and always looking at new materials and flies and their effects on the quarry fish. Ronan has been lucky in fishing all around the world for many different fish species including salmon, trout, steelhead, pike (or muskie) through to sailfish and marlin.

Ronan Bill is a fishing and hunting equipment professional and a part of Keenstackleandguns. He has more than 25 years experience fishing for all types of fish, and 15 years of business and internet experience. Keens is an ultimate source for fishing and hunting equipments, regardless of the type of fishing or hunting equipments you choose, Keens store is the best you can afford. Keens specializes in Fishing Equipment, Fishing Tackle, Hunting Equipment, to be more precise Fishing equipment for sale, Fly fishing equipment, Fishing tackle equipment, Carp fishing equipment, Sea fishing equipment, Carp fishing tackle , Coarse fishing tackle, Fishing tackle boxes, Sea fishing tackle, Fishing tackle shops, Fly fishing tackle, Archery hunting equipment, Best hunting equipment, Buy hunting equipment, Deer hunting equipment, Bow hunting equipment, Hunting equipment UK.

For more information feel free to get in touch with us at http://www.keenstackleandguns.co.uk/

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