Thursday, April 14, 2011

Top 5 Reasons You Should Take Up This Sport

Game Fishing:
You may have gone fishing at some point in your life. Be it luring fish in a pond, a fishing or picnic spree by the lake. For all you know you have already at one point or another gone fishing at your friend's house, with that beautiful tank full of colorful fishes, you could just not resist the temptation of luring them with a stick or with your fingers even. Fishing has come a long way since its origin in the early days when it was once a way of life, and for some their source of food. Potential was seen in the activity and many have re-invented fishing now, making it one of the most favorite sport and recreational activity. Game fishing is a sport that stems out from the main streamline of fishing and by far bears the most similarities to the purpose of fishing back in the olden days. Fish are lured for a number of reasons besides the sport and recreational aspects. Whether marine or freshwater fish they are edible, but with the recent decline in fish species, anglers support the catch and release principle to help fish populations recover and multiply in number. A very interesting sport, game fishing is by far one of the most fascinating water sports that is loved and taken on by fishing enthusiasts. Here are some of the reasons why they do and why you will enjoy game fishing yourself.


1. An old sport, a new skill. Game fishing is entirely different form of fishing; it takes learned skill to land your first catch successfully and safely. Learning more than just throw a line and bob it to attract fish, game fishing involves learning about luring which involves the kinds of bait that can effectively be used to fish, trolling, chumming/chunking, and of course the main event, battling the fish. Hooking the fish on your line does not end your fishing adventure, it signals the start of adrenalin pumping action. This is basically where the skills you learn will be applied. Reeling and the proper and safe way to do it will be taught to you as one of the most important skills of the sport. Knowing when to let the line escape and when to pull it is significant to catching what you have on the end of your line. Hauling is also another skill set that you will learn. This is the part when you need to skillfully bring in your catch which is very much still alive. Gaffing is used on the bigger game fish and for smaller ones nets are utilized to haul a catch onto the boat.

2. It's a great way to make new friends and new memories. You get to make new fishing buddies who can teach you the ropes and help you enhance your fishing skills. Memories are abundant in the sport of fishing, your first catch; your first reel and your first fish battle are all significant as you take on this rewarding sport.
3. Help sustain underwater wildlife. Game fishing is not only about catching big fish and enjoying it as a meal or a wall mount. The sport has also taken on the endeavor of preserving sea life for generations to come. The Gamefish Tagging program (GTP) has been working with game fishing clubs acquiring their help to gather research data which is invaluable to the ongoing movement from the extinction of certain fish species. Fish tagging has become a tournament as it recognizes fish game clubs and individuals who tag the most number of fish during their activity.

4. Of personal achievement and human triumph. As game fishing is a sport that involves learning skills you never intended to take a course on, managing to perform such an activity is an achievement on its own. Catching your first big one and successfully reeling and hauling it in is something that you would surely celebrate for the next few days until the next game fishing adventure.
5. It's a great weekend getaway. Escape to the water and discover where the real action is. It starts off as a scenic ride to deeper waters, a relaxing wait, the battle, and then the triumph. It's like a movie with you as the lead actor.
These are just five out of a million reasons why you should go game fishing. It's fishing like no other with the most rewarding experience ever. Enjoy the thrill of luring in a big fish and then releasing it so that future generations can also enjoy this most loved sport.
Finn Menzies is a lover of fishing trips. He is also an experienced writer and enjoys sharing information and tips on fishing trips with other like-minded people. Finn Menzies has experienced and tried fishing trips all around Australia and recommends anyone interested in game fishing to give it a go!!
See my previous post:

Top 5 Reasons for Making Your Own Fishing Lures

Imagine this: You are on sitting on the dock, feet hanging over the side, and a fishing pole in your hand. You are talking to your best friend, drinking a coke, when there is a quick jerk on your fishing pole. You start reeling as fast as you can, and after a minute or two the fish finally emerges from the water hanging from your lure on the end of the line. What an adrenaline rush.
Fishing is one of the most popular and relaxing ways for one to spend their leisure time. It is also one of the best ways to bond with family and friends. I'll never forget the first time my dad took me fishing, it is one the best memories of my childhood.
Fishing like many other sports and hobbies requires costly equipment. A boat can cost as much as a new car. Fishing poles can cost anywhere from $20-$200. Don't forget about other equipment such as fishing line, weights, a tackle box, and most importantly a vast variety of fishing lures.

Lures are the main factor that decides whether or not you catch a fish. Different fish are attracted to certain types and colors of lures, at certain times of the year. So to be prepared for all these circumstances a fisherman must have an extensive assortment of fishing lures.


Instead of buying fishing lures some fisherman choose to make their own.
Here are the top reasons to make your own fishing lures:
1. Saves you money. Fishing lures can cost anywhere from $2-$15. Most range from $3-$8. Buying a wide variety of fishing lures can cost you hundreds of dollars. Why buy lures, when you can make them for pennies.

2. Gain a hobby. Instead of watching television, get a hobby that relates to something you love. Making fishing lures is fun hobby and a useful way to pass the time.
3. Stay in touch with fishing away from the water. Making your own fishing lures will keep your mind on fishing even when there is not a pole in your hand.
4. The great feeling you get when you catch a fish on a lure you made. It always feels good to catch a fish, but it feels even better when you know that your lure that you made is reason you caught it.
5. You will be the envy of you buddies when fishing. When fishing with your buddies they will definitely be impressed that you made your own lures, and might even ask to use one.


Making your own fishing lures will enhance your fishing experience on and off the water. Not only will you save money, but you will gain a hobby, and learn an impressive skill.

Learn more about making your own fishing lures by visiting my blog at http://constructyourownfishinglures.blogspot.com.

Ryne Lambert is a college student and entrepreneur. He is working on his degree in business at the University of Wisconsin. His hobbies include attending sporting events, watching movies, listening to music, playing sports with friends, playing video games, and spending time with family.


 See my previous post: Top 5 Florida Lakes For Fishing Or Kayaking

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Top 5 Florida Lakes For Fishing Or Kayaking

Florida offers some of the most pleasant and appealing places to Kayak or Fish in the United States. Even though I'm giving away some of my secret fishing holes, in the spirit of camaraderie for my fellow paddlers and anglers, I'll share my top five so you can enjoy them too.
Lake Talquin: This lake is located 20 miles west of Tallahassee and in 1927 the Jackson Bluff Dam was constructed on the Ochlockonee River to produce hydroelectric power. The waters held back by the dam formed Lake Talquin. The lake offers quite a few recreational activities such as fishing, nature walks, picnic spots, and boating. The lake is stocked with a variety of fish such as; Largemouth Bass, Shellcracker, Speckled Perch, and Bream. I recommend this lake for a day trip site only as I am unaware of any free campsites in the area.

Lake Okeechobee: There is so much to do here ranging from fishing and boating to hiking and horseback riding. The most popular recreational activity in Lake Okeechobee is fishing. Lake Okeechobee is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the state of Florida; it covers 730 miles of shallow areas up to 9ft deep water and offers more than 40 species of fish including Largemouth Bass, Blue Gill, Black Crappie, and Catfish. The scenery can be beautiful and serene at times as well as wild and tempestuous during storms.



Lake Tarpon: This lake is located south of Tarpon Springs, and it is known to be one of the best fishing lakes in Florida. Lake Tarpon offers a large variety of fish such as Sunfish, Catfish, Largemouth Bass, and Blue Gill. The lake is five miles long, one mile wide and covers 2, 500 acres of land. It offers a lot of room for exploring and wildlife viewing. It is a very popular lake so be aware of your surroundings and be respectful of others. If you're going on the Canoe trail, watch out for alligators!




Lake Harris and its sister lakes; Griffin, Yale, Eustis, Dora and Little Lake Harris; These lakes are all very close together so some friends and I headed down here for a weekend of sun and fun, visiting each of these lakes. There is quite a bit of Bass fishing to be had in these lakes, as well as some up close views of alligators. These lakes are all very open with no shade, so bring your sunscreen and stay hydrated. This is a great area to beat the heat and enjoy your day.




Lake Kissimmee: This lake is the third largest lake in the state and has many of the same activities as the other Florida lakes. The state park offers camping facilities as well as Ranger guided tours of the lake. They do not provide boats or kayaks as far as I know. Fishing is bountiful and there are plenty of things to do while you're there. One of the non water activities I enjoyed was the Living History Tour they have which takes you back to the 1800's and the cattle drives. The week I spent at this lake with my friends was both informative and fun.
The author, Victoria Louise Adams is the mother of two wonderful children, a stay at home mom, semi-professional photographer, and self taught graphic artist. She loves the outdoors and enjoys paddling her folding kayak whenever possible. Victoria has written several articles about kayaking for the Inflatable Kayak Blog, a blog that shares info about inflatable kayaks and other portable watercraft.
See my previous post: