The Peanut Butter and Jelly Paradox (PB&JP)
April 17, 2008
I started keeping a fishing calendar this past year. My thinking was that I would somehow get to fish more. I was applying the business proverb of "that which gets measured gets done". Apparently this doesn’t work as well on the home front. Actually, MOST of the leadership tactics I bring home from work become useless when they pass between my lot lines. Kind of a Bermuda Triangle of management principles I’d say. I’ll share more on this once I fully understand the phenomenon. In the meantime, I’ve learned it’s best to just go with the flow most of the time and try not to get underfoot of the wonderful women in my life.
Sometimes the vehicle we call life can drive pretty fast and we’re not necessarily at the wheel. Although I love that my daughters stay busy, it does make me ponder what the heck empty nesters do with their time. The endless stream of sleepovers, homework projects, ball games, and the like ? easily displace the time that "coulda" been spent on a stream of a different sort. It’s "all good" though. I am happy they are busy well-adjusted kids that basically stay out of trouble. However, it sure is nice to have some "alone time" once in awhile to slow the pace.
Join The Vespa Fishing Team
April 14, 2008
High fuel prices got you down?
Imagine how most of us feel in the recreational fishing world.
Let me explain.
Here we are rounding into September, the time of year that all true “sport fishermen” look forward to. The weather is changing, and most summer crowds have gone home, leaving the rivers and lakes uncrowded and filled with frisky hungry fish readying themselves for the fall spawn and feedfest that takes place in fall.
Most of us are not lucky enough to have a river or lake out our back door, so that means traveling to our favorite fishing spots is mandatory. Two hundred miles or better is nothing when it comes to our passion.
Most fishermen -and outdoor types in general–are usually heading for the great outdoors hauling their gear in SUVs , trucks or campers/trailers.
Not exactly what you would consider “economy” cars.
I can still remember the conversation I had with Ranger Kurt about three years ago, when I convinced him to purchase an old Ford Diesel f350 in place of his trusty Toyota fishing rig.
He would love the extra room, and heck- diesel was about a dime cheaper than regular to boot!!
The Advantages of Underwater Fishing Cameras
April 13, 2008
Want to see what’s really going on under the water or ice? You can eliminate some of the mystery beneath the water or ice and expand your knowledge by using an underwater fishing camera. An underwater fishing camera can be a wonderful tool and great fun too. An underwater camera can show you many things about your fishing techniques. It can be your eye underwater and you won’t even get wet.
See more fish, catch more fish, and have more fun fishing with an underwater fishing camera. You can put yourself eye to eye with the fish in their natural environment. You will be able to identify different species and how they react to your bait presentation. With an underwater fishing camera, the ice angler easily can determine the size and species of fish. (Fish can be detected with sonar, but it cannot identify what kind they are.)
What is the lake bottom like? Sonar can tell you whether the lake bottom is relatively hard or soft, but it’s difficult to tell whether the lake bottom is sand, gravel, or small rock. The camera shows the bottom easily and can help avoid problems.
Fishing Alaska: The Alaskan Sampler Plate…Part I
April 11, 2008
I just recently returned from my first fishing trip to Alaska.
If you have ever dreamed of heading to the last frontier, but have continuously put it off because of this reason or that—STOP PUTTING IT OFF!!
I myself, found reason after reason to delay one of my “dream trips” until I could no longer stand it any longer.
“Damn the time constraints and load up the Visa card boys–were headin’ to Alaska!!”
What I expected was a : ‘you should have been here in the seventies’, “spawned out” fishing destination–but what I found was a place I can’t wait to return to.
The Kenai peninsula-which to a lot of fishermen is a place that is overfished and to easily accesible-was just fine to me. Eleven different types of fish, from fourteen inch Grayling to seventy pound Halibut found it’s way on to my fishing rod, and considering I only had one week to fish in Alaska, I would say the only way I could have experienced more fish …would be to order the Alaskan sampler plate at the Red Lobster!!
Each and every day seemed to get better and better.
Fly Casting - the Overhead Cast
April 9, 2008
The overhead cast is the most basic fly cast. Learn to execute it well and you will be able to easily adapt the skill to the side cast and backhand casting.
Good casting starts with learning to grip a fly rod correctly and adopting the right stance to maintain comfort and balance.
Gripping the Fly Rod
The normal grip is with the thumb on top and slightly to the left of center (assuming a right-handed grip) so that the ‘V’ between the thumb and the index finger is in line with the top of the rod. Your grip should feel comfortable and firm - but not tight. Your rod and reel only weigh a few ounces, so it won’t require a death grip to contol it.
If you prefer, placing the thumb directly on top of the rod is acceptable, and you might find this useful if extra force is needed on the forward cast. Another variation is sometimes used for accuracy when casting short distances, or just as a “change up” to relieve fatigue during a long day of fishing. Instead of placing the thumb on top of the rod, try shifting the index finger around so that it lies along the top of the rod instead.
Satisfy Your Thirst for Fishing ? 3 Parts to the Fishing Cocktail
April 8, 2008
Everyone who fishes either for sport or fun knows that while fishing itself is simple, catching fish is not. There are times when we think we have it all figured out, then days go by without as much as a nibble. What has happened, did we lose our expertise? Are the fish getting smarter? Maybe it’s the weather. In fact there are many factors that weigh into whether we are catching fish or just passing time. Even though there are many factors, I would argue there are only 3 main parts to pouring ourselves the perfect fishing cocktail. Since drink names such as "Sex on the Beach" and "Fuzzy Navel" have already been taken, may I suggest "Fish on a Hook?" The drink may be made with any combination of the ingredients. They do not have to be of equal parts, but to make a "Fish on a Hook" all 3 must be present. So put your barkeeper’s hat on and let’s start.
Caring for Your Inflatable Boat - Common Sense & Consistency Are the Keys
April 5, 2008
Thousands of years ago, the first inflatable boats, made from animal skins, were used for transportation. People used them to cross rivers, ferry goods to other locations, and move military troops. Over time, inflatable boats were adapted for recreational use as well, and for rescue operations. Today there are many types of inflatable boats and over a dozen ways they are used around the world.
Different militaries across the globe helped bring inflatable boats to the public attention, and today the government still uses inflatable boats for troop transport, special military operations, and drug and other law enforcement activities. In addition, inflatable boats are also used in search and rescue operations, fisheries patrol and security patrol. They are also used as tenders on large yachts and ships.
On the recreational side, inflatable boats can be used for diving, fishing, pleasure boating, river rafting, water skiing, and many other water activities that involve a boat. Consumers can also purchase inflatable kayaks, canoes, and sailboats.
Because there are so many different types of inflatable boats and a variety of ways they can be used, it is important to be familiar with the specific operating instructions for your particular model and situation. However, there are a few general use guidelines that apply to most, if not all, inflatable boats.
From Personal Belly Boats to High Performance Racers - An Overview of Inflatable Boats
April 4, 2008
Inflatable boats, also called rubber boats or dinghies, have been around in one form or another for thousands of years. They now come in many different sizes and models and include inflatable kayaks, sport boats, and inflatable catamarans. Their versatility and relatively low cost have contributed to their popularity, and more and more water enthusiasts are discovering the advantages of owing an inflatable boat.
Evolution of the Inflatable Boat
Historical records indicate that the first inflatable boats were animal skins filled with air. Over the years, many cultures have created various versions of inflatable watercraft, and in 1839, the Duke of Wellington tested the first inflatable pontoons. In the decades that followed, many new designs were introduced and some of them were utilized by European military forces.
The inflatable boats were used to transport torpedoes and other cargo. They also allowed troops to make discreet landings in shallow water, and their compact size and storability made them easy to bring with, even on overland marches where it would not have been possible to bring a traditional boat.
The Alaskan Experience
April 2, 2008
“FISH ON!!”
I yelled, as my seven weight fly rod bent over and the line played it’s magical tune of “zinging in the rain”. It was hard to tell just how big the fish was or if it was a Rainbow or big Dolly Varden.
Hooking a big upper Kenai river trout in fast water doesn’t leave much time for species identification.
“Hang on to it-we’ll chase it and go land it in some calmer water.” said Allen, who was behind the sticks of our 20 foot Willie drift boat.
We had just entered the Canyon section of the upper Kenai river and while my three other compadres fishing with me on the boat had already hooked some BIG Rainbows and Dollies, I had yet to catch what I will call a “quality” upper Kenai fish. That of course means insulting every trout on every other river in North America, since the eighteen inch Rainbows and twenty inch Dolly Vardens I had already caught were hardly chopped liver!! It’s just that I had watched numerous twenty-four inch fish caught in the morning and listened to Allen comment on how this was the best morning of fly fishing he had had on the upper Kenai this year. Again, don’t get me wrong-I was catching my share of fish- but this was the kind of fish I was waiting for.
Online Fishing Forums Change the Way Anglers Fish For Information and Photos
March 31, 2008
As the landscape of the World Wide Web changes at lightning speed, so do many online trends. Communication and the exchange of information have become instantaneous and the rate at which we can find and receive information is incredible. A recent trend that has caught on with online anglers "fishing" for more information is online fishing forums.
There are many websites that offer online fishing forums where anglers can talk and discuss in an organized environment about the topics that appeal to them most. In general, online fishing forums have a main posting board where anglers can talk about general fishing subjects. Then usually there are more specific subjects sub- topics where specific popular topics can be addressed.
Online fishing photo galleries have become probably one of the most popular topics on online fishing forums. Now anglers can share a photo of their catch with thousands of other anglers and it has become a virtual bragging board.
However, the really useful part is that you can see who’s catching what species, when and where. Before the Internet, finding out that type of information was nearly impossible. You either had to be physically at the particular location and happen to know the person or you would have to wait to get to the location to see how the bite was.
